Moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga costs between $147 to $5,111 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 111-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Knoxville to Chattanooga
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Knoxville to driving and unloading in Chattanooga, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 111 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,337 - $4,235 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,095 - $1,968 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $150 - $254 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gouffon Moving & Storage | $113/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Knoxville to Chattanooga?
It costs between $147 to $5,111 to move from Knoxville to Chattanooga. The prices below break down your 111-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $791 - $5,111
- Moving containers: $804 - $2,348
- Rental trucks: $147 - $275
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $791 - $3,234 | $804 - $1,349 | $147 - $208 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,337 - $4,235 | $1,095 - $1,968 | $150 - $254 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,869 - $5,111 | $1,417 - $2,348 | $173 - $275 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $276 - $2,300+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $113/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $60/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $184 - $736 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $184 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Knoxville to Chattanooga
At 111 miles, your Knoxville to Chattanooga move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Knoxville to Chattanooga. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 111 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Gouffon Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Knoxville to Chattanooga. They've been in business since 1887 (139 years of experience) and 91.8% of their 243 verified reviews are positive.
More Tennessee moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga to Knoxville guide.
Considerations when moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga
Cost of living: Knoxville vs. Chattanooga
When weighing the cost of living in Knoxville versus Chattanooga, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Chattanooga really compares to Knoxville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Knoxville | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,795 | $1,475 |
| Average home cost | $213,473 | $259,125 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,994 | $61,028 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,184 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,200 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.25% | 9.25% |
- Rent in Chattanooga is around 18% less expensive than in Knoxville, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Chattanooga are 21% higher than in Knoxville. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 20% higher than in Knoxville. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 51% higher in Chattanooga compared to Knoxville, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- If you’re moving to Chattanooga, you’ll find that the cost of living is 16% lower than in Knoxville. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Chattanooga is 19% higher than in Knoxville. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are the same in Chattanooga and Knoxville, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Knoxville, you’d need about $4,530 in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Chattanooga
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Knoxville and Chattanooga. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Knoxville | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 181,099 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-34 | Republican 53.8-44.1 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 50" | 51" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 2" |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 53.89 |
Chattanooga sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga might look simple since both cities are about the same size, but don’t be fooled. What really sets them apart are the unique vibes, job opportunities, city layouts, and cost of living—those are the things you’ll notice most.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Knoxville and Chattanooga leaned Republican.
- In Chattanooga and Knoxville, summer highs run about the same — 89°F vs. 88°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Knoxville and Chattanooga face similar winter lows—Knoxville drops to 28°F, while Chattanooga falls to 28°F.
- Both Knoxville and Chattanooga receive similar amounts of rain annually—Knoxville gets about 50 inches, while Chattanooga sees around 51 inches each year.
- You won’t notice much difference in snowfall moving from Knoxville to Chattanooga. Both average about 6 and 2 inches of snow each year.
- Chattanooga reports a higher crime index than Knoxville, with scores of 53.89 and 42.54, respectively.
Things to do in Chattanooga
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Chattanooga has it all.
Museums in Chattanooga
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Coker Museum - Honest Charley
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- International Towing and Recovery Museum
Parks in Chattanooga
- Coolidge Park Tennessee
- Riverpark Ross's Landing Park
- Enterprise South Nature Park
- Chickamauga Dam
- Tennessee River Park
Sports teams in Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)
- Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One)
Universities in Chattanooga
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Tennessee Temple University
- University of Tennessee -College of Medicine
- Richmont Graduate University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Knoxville to Chattanooga?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Knoxville to Chattanooga, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $666 and $2,695. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,337 up to $4,235. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,869 to $5,111 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Knoxville to Chattanooga?
Moving containers from Knoxville to Chattanooga will cost you $575 to $1,317 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,095 to $1,968. A larger home will cost $1,417 to $2,348.
How much is a moving truck from Knoxville to Chattanooga?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $140 to $230. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $150 and $254. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Knoxville to Chattanooga, costs usually fall between $173 and $275.
How far in advance should I book Knoxville-to-Chattanooga movers?
To make your move from Knoxville to Chattanooga as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chattanooga?
For the best deals on your move to Chattanooga, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
