Knoxville to Memphis Movers & Costs (2026)
The cost to move from Knoxville to Memphis, TN is $348 - $7,114 for the ~390-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as Gouffon Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 1,010 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $113/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in Knoxville
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Knoxville to Memphis?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Knoxville to Memphis are regulated by Tennessee law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Tennessee intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Tennessee companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.62/5) as the top local pick, followed by Bellhop Moving (4.5/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Knoxville to Memphis moves complete in 1 - 4 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 213+ Tennessee movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Knoxville to Memphis?
Expect to spend between $348 and $7,114* on a Knoxville to Memphis move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $1,126 - $7,114
- Moving containers: $849 - $2,897
- Rental trucks: $348 - $953
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 the route yourself 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 | $1,126 - $3,584 | $849 - $1,649 | $348 - $645 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,892 - $4,939 | $1,142 - $2,228 | $367 - $795 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,002 - $7,114 | $1,513 - $2,897 | $452 - $953 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 213+ Tennessee moving companies, and are updated as of November 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.
Learn more about the cost of Knoxville, TN movers.
How Knoxville to Memphis moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $113 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,354.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 14% of Knoxville movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 14% of Knoxville movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 Knoxville to Memphis
Moving from Knoxville to Memphis is a job for local and regional Tennessee movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Gouffon Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 1,010 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Knoxville to Memphis
Local movers operating within Tennessee know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.62 / 5
- Years in Business: 139
- 92% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.5 / 5
- Years in Business: 15
- 92% positive reviews
- BBB: F
rating
4.48 / 5
- Years in Business: 10
- 93% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
Our top local picks:
- Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.62/5 stars): 92.4% positive customer ratings.
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5 stars): 92.4% positive customer ratings.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.48/5 stars): 93.2% positive customer ratings.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.56/5 stars): 81.9% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5 stars): 83.5% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 21 movers in Knoxville, drawing on 7,852 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Knoxville to Memphis
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Knoxville, TN
Knoxville residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Tennessee moving resources
How does Memphis compare to Knoxville?
Cost of living: Knoxville vs. Memphis
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Knoxville | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,795 | $1,299 |
| Average home cost | $213,473 | $154,209 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,994 | $51,211 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,184 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,200 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 8.0% |
| Average sales tax | 9.25% | 9.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Knoxville and Memphis comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 213+ Tennessee moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Memphis are 28% lower than in Knoxville. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Memphis are 28% lower than Knoxville. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Memphis matches Knoxville. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in Memphis is 16% lower than Knoxville. The savings typically free up 16% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Memphis is 15% lower than Knoxville. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Memphis runs 70% higher than Knoxville. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Memphis and Knoxville match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,520 in Memphis to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Knoxville.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Memphis
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Memphis might look different from Knoxville in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Knoxville | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 633,104 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-34 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 50" | 54" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 3" |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 77.49 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Tennessee can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 22% of movers in Tennessee, vs 23% nationally).
- Memphis is 232% larger in size than Knoxville. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, Memphis voted Democratic and Knoxville voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Memphis (91°F) match Knoxville (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Knoxville (28°F) and Memphis (30°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Knoxville (50 inches) and Memphis (54 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Knoxville (6 inches) and Memphis (3 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Memphis (77.49) is higher than Knoxville (42.54). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Memphis
Memphis'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 Memphis
- Graceland
- National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
- Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum
Parks in Memphis
- Shelby Farms Park
- Mud Island River Park
- Tom Lee Park
- Levitt Shell
- Overton Park
Sports teams in Memphis
- Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
- Memphis Hustle (NBA G League)
Universities in Memphis
- University of Memphis
- Rhodes College
- Christian Brothers University
- LeMoyne-Owen College
Final verdict: Knoxville to Memphis movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Tennessee service. For smaller moves, Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top local choice, with 92.4% positive reviews across 1,010 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $348 - $7,114, based on our analysis of 213+ Tennessee movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Knoxville to Memphis
How much are moving container companies from Knoxville to Memphis?
Moving containers from Knoxville to Memphis cost $644 - $1,467 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $1,142 - $2,228, and a larger home costs $1,513 - $2,897.
How much is a moving truck from Knoxville to Memphis?
A rental truck from Knoxville to Memphis costs $365 - $657 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $367 - $795 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $452 - $953 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
How far in advance should I book Knoxville-to-Memphis movers?
Book your Knoxville to Memphis movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Memphis?
The cheapest time to move to Memphis is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
Is moving from Knoxville to Memphis considered a long-distance move?
A move from Knoxville to Memphis is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Tennessee law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Tennessee intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.