Nashville to Knoxville Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Nashville to Knoxville, TN (~179 miles) typically ranges from $209 to $5,266.
Local movers such as 6th Man Movers, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.7 out of 5 stars across 483 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $120/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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September availability is going fast in Nashville
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Nashville to Knoxville?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Nashville to Knoxville 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 6th Man Movers (4.7/5) as the top local pick, followed by Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.62/5). 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 Nashville to Knoxville 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 70+ Tennessee movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Nashville to Knoxville?
The cost to move from Nashville to Knoxville ranges from $209 to $5,266*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $849 - $5,266
- Moving containers: $767 - $2,356
- Rental trucks: $209 - $473
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $849 - $3,380 | $767 - $1,309 | $209 - $348 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,455 - $3,852 | $997 - $1,863 | $215 - $423 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,855 - $5,266 | $1,353 - $2,356 | $255 - $473 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 70+ Tennessee moving companies, and are updated as of September 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 Nashville, TN movers.
How Nashville to Knoxville moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $120 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 $1,440.
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. 8% of Nashville movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% 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 11% of Nashville movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Move On |
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 Nashville to Knoxville
Moving from Nashville to Knoxville 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. 6th Man Movers leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.7 out of 5 stars across 483 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Nashville to Knoxville
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
Our top local picks:
- 6th Man Movers (4.7/5 stars): 90.3% positive customer ratings.
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.62/5 stars): 94.6% positive customer ratings.
- Move On (4.58/5 stars): 92.9% positive customer ratings.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.5/5 stars): 68.3% positive customer ratings.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.5/5 stars): 46.7% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 37 movers in Nashville, drawing on 6,166 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Nashville to Knoxville
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.
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 Nashville, TN
Nashville residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Tennessee moving resources
How does Knoxville compare to Nashville?
Cost of living: Nashville vs. Knoxville
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.
| Nashville | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,971 | $1,795 |
| Average home cost | $382,847 | $213,473 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,197 | $50,994 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,108 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,447 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 9.75% | 9.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Nashville and Knoxville comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 70+ Tennessee moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Knoxville are 9% lower than in Nashville. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Knoxville are 44% lower than Nashville. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Knoxville is 32% lower than Nashville. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Knoxville is 30% lower than Nashville. The savings typically free up 30% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Knoxville is 38% lower than Nashville. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment rates in Knoxville and Nashville match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville and Nashville match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,100 in Knoxville to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Nashville.
How life is different in Nashville vs. Knoxville
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Knoxville might look different from Nashville in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Nashville | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 689,447 | 190,740 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Republican 64-34 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 49" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 6" |
| Crime index | 49.1 | 42.54 |
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 44% of movers in Tennessee, vs 33% nationally).
- Knoxville is 72% smaller in size than Nashville. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Nashville and Knoxville voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Knoxville (88°F) match Nashville (89°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Nashville (27°F) and Knoxville (28°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Nashville (49 inches) and Knoxville (50 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Nashville (4 inches) and Knoxville (6 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Knoxville (42.54) is lower than Nashville (49.1). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Knoxville
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Knoxville's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Knoxville
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- East Tennesse Historical Society
- Muse Knoxville
- Old Smoky Railway Museum
- Art Market Gallery
Parks in Knoxville
- Lakeshore Park
- World's Fair Park
- Krutch Park
- Fort Dickerson Park
- Volunteer Landing Park
Sports teams in Knoxville
- Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)
Universities in Knoxville
- South College
- The University of Tennessee
- Fountainhead College of Technology
- Johnson University
- University of Phoenix Knoxville
Final verdict: Nashville to Knoxville 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, 6th Man Movers (4.7/5) is the top local choice, with 90.3% positive reviews across 483 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $209 - $5,266, based on our analysis of 70+ Tennessee movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Nashville to Knoxville
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Knoxville?
The cheapest time to move to Knoxville 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 Nashville to Knoxville?
Moving containers from Nashville to Knoxville cost $541 - $1,302 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $997 - $1,863, and a larger home costs $1,353 - $2,356.
How many movers in Nashville offer labor-only help?
51% of movers in Nashville offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
Is moving from Nashville to Knoxville considered a long-distance move?
A move from Nashville to Knoxville 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.
How much is a moving truck from Nashville to Knoxville?
A rental truck from Nashville to Knoxville costs $201 - $348 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $215 - $423 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $255 - $473 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
