Knoxville to Nashville Movers & Costs (2026)
A Knoxville to Nashville, TN move (~179 miles) starts around $187 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $5,115 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
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 Nashville?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Knoxville to Nashville 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 Nashville moves complete in 1 - 2 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 Nashville?
A move from Knoxville to Nashville runs $187 to $5,115*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $800 - $5,115
- Moving containers: $753 - $2,244
- Rental trucks: $187 - $441
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $800 - $3,062 | $753 - $1,273 | $187 - $325 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,294 - $3,862 | $997 - $1,704 | $203 - $380 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,857 - $5,115 | $1,239 - $2,244 | $258 - $441 |
*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 Nashville 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 Nashville
Moving from Knoxville to Nashville 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 Nashville
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 Nashville
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 Nashville compare to Knoxville?
Cost of living: Knoxville vs. Nashville
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 | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,795 | $1,971 |
| Average home cost | $213,473 | $382,847 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,994 | $75,197 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,184 | $3,108 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,200 | $8,447 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.5% |
| Average sales tax | 9.25% | 9.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Knoxville and Nashville 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 Nashville are 10% higher than in Knoxville. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 10% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Nashville are 79% higher than Knoxville. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Nashville is 47% higher than Knoxville. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Nashville is 42% higher than Knoxville. Plan to add roughly 42% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Nashville is 62% higher than Knoxville. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment rates in Nashville and Knoxville match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Nashville and Knoxville match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,260 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Knoxville.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Nashville
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Nashville might look different from Knoxville in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Knoxville | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 689,447 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-34 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 50" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 4" |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 49.1 |
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).
- Nashville is 261% 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, both Knoxville and Nashville voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Nashville (89°F) match Knoxville (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Knoxville (28°F) and Nashville (27°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Knoxville (50 inches) and Nashville (49 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Knoxville (6 inches) and Nashville (4 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Nashville (49.1) is higher than Knoxville (42.54). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Nashville
Nashville balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Nashville
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
- The Johnny Cash Museum
- RCA Studio B
- Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Parks in Nashville
- Centennial Park
- Radnor Lake State Park
- Edwin and Percy Warner Parks
- Riverfront Park
- Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Sports teams in Nashville
- Tennessee Titans (NFL)
- Nashville Predators (NHL)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
Universities in Nashville
- Tennessee State University
- Vanderbilt University
- Belmont University
- Lipscomb University
- Trevecca Nazarene University
Final verdict: Knoxville to Nashville 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 $187 - $5,115, based on our analysis of 213+ Tennessee movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Knoxville to Nashville
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Knoxville to Nashville?
A full-service move from Knoxville to Nashville costs $671 - $2,623 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,294 - $3,862, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,857 - $5,115.
What percentage of Knoxville movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 52% of movers in Knoxville handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Nashville?
The cheapest time to move to Nashville 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.
How much are moving container companies from Knoxville to Nashville?
Moving containers from Knoxville to Nashville cost $546 - $1,253 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $997 - $1,704, and a larger home costs $1,239 - $2,244.
How many movers in Knoxville offer labor-only help?
43% of movers in Knoxville offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.