Moving from Knoxville to Memphis, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Knoxville to Memphis costs $427–$8,228, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 390-mile route within Tennessee take 1–4 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 Knoxville to Memphis?
Moving from Knoxville to Memphis 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 390-mile move:
Moving from Knoxville to Memphis costs between $427 and $8,228, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 390-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $2,146–$6,191 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,403–$2,685 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $465–$921 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $113/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 Knoxville to Memphis?
Movers typically charge between $427 and $8,228 for a Knoxville to Memphis move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 390-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $1,343–$8,228
- Moving containers: $1,108–$3,221
- Rental trucks: $427–$1,081
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 390 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,343–$4,683 | $1,108–$2,007 | $427–$761 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,146–$6,191 | $1,403–$2,685 | $465–$921 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,617–$8,228 | $1,823–$3,221 | $566–$1,081 |
*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 Knoxville to Memphis move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Knoxville to Memphis move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
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 | $113/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 Knoxville to Memphis
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Knoxville to Memphis, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 390 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 Knoxville to Memphis. 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 390 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 Memphis to Knoxville guide.
How does Memphis compare to Knoxville?
Cost of living: Knoxville vs. Memphis
Cost-of-living factors in Knoxville vs. Memphis go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Memphis stacks up against Knoxville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 May 2026 across 71+ Tennessee cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Memphis is 28% lower than Knoxville. The savings are meaningful enough to alter housing tradeoffs you previously accepted.
- 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 is similar in Knoxville and Memphis. Plan financial decisions on the same income baseline as before the move.
- Living expenses for one person in Memphis are 16% lower than Knoxville. The gap usually shows up most on rent and groceries.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Memphis is 15% lower than Knoxville. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
- Unemployment in Memphis is 70% higher than Knoxville. A longer job search cycle is likely; build a 3 to 6 month financial buffer.
- Sales taxes match in Memphis and Knoxville. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Knoxville, expect to budget around $2,520 to maintain the same lifestyle in Memphis.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Memphis
A side-by-side comparison of life in Knoxville vs. Memphis helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Knoxville and Memphis so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| 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 |
- Memphis is 232% larger in size than Knoxville. The size difference typically shows up most in housing prices, traffic, and access to specialized services.
- In the last presidential election, Memphis voted Democratic and Knoxville voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Memphis (91°F) and Knoxville (88°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Knoxville (28°F) match Memphis (30°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Knoxville and Memphis is nearly identical, at 50 inches and 54 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Knoxville (6 inches) and Memphis (3 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Memphis (77.49) runs higher than Knoxville (42.54). Check property crime rates and insurance quotes for specific addresses before committing.
Things to do in Memphis
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Memphis. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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: best movers from Knoxville to Memphis
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Knoxville to Memphis, 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 $427–$8,228 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 Knoxville to Memphis
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Knoxville to Memphis?
A full-service move from Knoxville to Memphis ranges from $1,334 to $3,710 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $2,146–$6,191. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $3,617–$8,228 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Knoxville to Memphis?
Moving containers from Knoxville to Memphis break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $737 to $1,765. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,403 and $2,685. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,823 to $3,221.
How much is a moving truck from Knoxville to Memphis?
A rental moving truck from Knoxville to Memphis costs $410–$769 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $465–$921, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $566 and $1,081.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Knoxville-to-Memphis movers?
Ideally, book your move from Knoxville to Memphis at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Knoxville-to-Memphis movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Memphis?
For the cheapest move to Memphis, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
