Moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville, TN
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville costs $142–$5,111, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 112-mile route within Tennessee take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 71+ Tennessee moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
Moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 112-mile move:
Moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville costs between $142 and $5,111, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 112-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,350–$4,114 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,063–$1,988 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $150–$269 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $99/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 71+ Tennessee movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
Expect to spend between $142 and $5,111 on a Chattanooga to Knoxville move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 112-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $798–$5,111
- Moving containers: $854–$2,442
- Rental trucks: $142–$295
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 112 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $798–$3,539 | $854–$1,405 | $142–$224 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,350–$4,114 | $1,063–$1,988 | $150–$269 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,945–$5,111 | $1,445–$2,442 | $187–$295 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 71+ Tennessee moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Chattanooga to Knoxville move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Chattanooga to Knoxville move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $99/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Chattanooga to Knoxville
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Chattanooga to Knoxville, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 112 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Chattanooga to Knoxville. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Tennessee, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 112 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville to Chattanooga guide.
How does Knoxville compare to Chattanooga?
Cost of living: Chattanooga vs. Knoxville
A cost-of-living comparison between Chattanooga and Knoxville covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Knoxville compares to Chattanooga.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chattanooga | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,475 | $1,795 |
| Average home cost | $259,125 | $213,473 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,028 | $50,994 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,300 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,350 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 9.25% | 9.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Chattanooga and Knoxville comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 71+ Tennessee cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Knoxville are 22% higher than in Chattanooga. Renters typically offset this by moving farther from the city center or accepting a smaller unit.
- Home prices in Knoxville are 18% lower than Chattanooga. The discount accelerates timelines for first-time buyers and improves cash flow for trade-up moves.
- Average income in Knoxville is 16% lower than Chattanooga. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Knoxville runs 34% cheaper than Chattanooga. The savings rate compounds quickly if held constant.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Knoxville is 20% higher than Chattanooga. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Knoxville is 16% lower than Chattanooga. The labor market favors workers, which translates to better offers for incoming candidates.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville and Chattanooga match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Chattanooga, you'd need about $1,980 in Knoxville.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Knoxville
A comparison of life in Chattanooga and Knoxville covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Chattanooga | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 190,740 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53.8-44.1 | Republican 64-34 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 2" | 6" |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 42.54 |
- Population is similar across Knoxville and Chattanooga. The differences worth weighing are economic and cultural, not demographic.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Chattanooga and Knoxville leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in Knoxville (88°F) and Chattanooga (89°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows match across Chattanooga (28°F) and Knoxville (28°F). Existing heating bills are a reliable benchmark.
- Annual rainfall levels match in Chattanooga (51 inches) and Knoxville (50 inches). Outdoor planning carries over.
- Annual snowfall in Chattanooga (2 inches) and Knoxville (6 inches) is comparable. Winter budgets and habits don't require adjustment.
- Crime index in Knoxville (42.54) is lower than Chattanooga (53.89). The lower-risk profile expands feasible neighborhoods and reduces insurance carry.
Things to do in Knoxville
Knoxville's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Knoxville
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- East Tennesse Historical Society
- Muse Knoxville
- Old Smoky Railway Museum
- Art Market Gallery
Parks in Knoxville
- Lakeshore Park
- World's Fair Park
- Krutch Park
- Fort Dickerson Park
- Volunteer Landing Park
Sports teams in Knoxville
- Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)
Universities in Knoxville
- South College
- The University of Tennessee
- Fountainhead College of Technology
- Johnson University
- University of Phoenix Knoxville
Final verdict: best movers from Chattanooga to Knoxville
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Chattanooga to Knoxville, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Tennessee service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $142–$5,111 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 71+ Tennessee movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Chattanooga to Knoxville
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
A move from Chattanooga to Knoxville with a professional moving company costs $687–$2,836 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,350 up to $4,114. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,945–$5,111 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
Moving containers from Chattanooga to Knoxville cost $598–$1,426 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,063–$1,988. A larger home costs $1,445–$2,442.
How much is a moving truck from Chattanooga to Knoxville?
A rental moving truck from Chattanooga to Knoxville costs $146–$221 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $150–$269, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $187 and $295.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Chattanooga-to-Knoxville movers?
Lock in your movers for a Chattanooga to Knoxville move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Knoxville?
The best deals on a move to Knoxville fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
