Moving from Knoxville to Nashville, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Knoxville to Nashville costs between $228 to $5,685 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 179-mile route within Tennessee take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Knoxville to Nashville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Knoxville to Nashville 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 Nashville, 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 179 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,623 - $4,886 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,121 - $2,117 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $259 - $443 | 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 Nashville?
It costs between $228 to $5,685 to move from Knoxville to Nashville. The prices below break down your 179-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $918 - $5,685
- Moving containers: $898 - $2,519
- Rental trucks: $228 - $526
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $918 - $3,956 | $898 - $1,643 | $228 - $408 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,623 - $4,886 | $1,121 - $2,117 | $259 - $443 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,108 - $5,685 | $1,433 - $2,519 | $314 - $526 |
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 Nashville
At 179 miles, your Knoxville to Nashville 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 Nashville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Tennessee, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 179 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Gouffon Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Knoxville to Nashville. 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 Nashville to Knoxville guide.
Considerations when moving from Knoxville to Nashville
Cost of living: Knoxville vs. Nashville
The cost of living in Knoxville vs. Nashville isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Nashville compares to what you’re used to in Knoxville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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% |
- Rent prices in Nashville are 10% higher than in Knoxville, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Nashville are 79% higher than in Knoxville, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Nashville, where average income is 47% higher than in Knoxville — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 42% higher in Nashville compared to Knoxville. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Nashville, plan for living expenses to be about 62% higher than in Knoxville. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Nashville is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Nashville is the same as in Knoxville, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities when you move.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Nashville and Knoxville, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Knoxville, you’ll need about $4,260 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Nashville.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Nashville
Before you move, check out how life in Nashville measures up to Knoxville. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| 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 |
Nashville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Nashville has a population roughly 261% higher than Knoxville. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Knoxville and Nashville supported the Republican candidate.
- You’ll find that both Nashville and Knoxville have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Knoxville and Nashville—with winter lows around 28°F and 27°F.
- Both Knoxville and Nashville see similar yearly rainfall—Knoxville averages 50 inches, while Nashville gets 49 inches.
- Snowfall totals are similar in Knoxville and Nashville, averaging 6 and 4 inches each year.
- Nashville shows a higher crime rate than Knoxville, with index scores of 49.1 compared to 42.54.
Things to do in Nashville
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Nashville has plenty to offer:
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Knoxville to Nashville?
Shipping furniture from Knoxville to Nashville with a moving company typically costs between $817 and $3,192. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,623 to $4,886. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,108 and $5,685 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Knoxville to Nashville?
If you’re planning a move from Knoxville to Nashville and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $652 and $1,480. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,121 to $2,117. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,433 to $2,519.
How much is a moving truck from Knoxville to Nashville?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $221 and $396. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $259 and $443. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Knoxville to Nashville, truck rentals usually range from $314 up to $526.
How far in advance should I book Knoxville-to-Nashville movers?
To make your move from Knoxville to Nashville as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Nashville?
The cheapest time of year to move to Nashville is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
