Moving from Nashville to Knoxville, TN
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Quick answer: Moving from Nashville to Knoxville costs $230–$5,741, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 179-mile route within Tennessee take 1–2 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 Nashville to Knoxville?
Moving from Nashville to Knoxville 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 179-mile move:
Moving from Nashville to Knoxville costs between $230 and $5,741, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 179-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,687–$4,700 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,225–$2,051 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $239–$448 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $120/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 Nashville to Knoxville?
The cost to move from Nashville to Knoxville ranges from $230 to $5,741, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 179-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $936–$5,741
- Moving containers: $870–$2,785
- Rental trucks: $230–$575
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 the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 179 miles and provide all the 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 | $936–$3,840 | $870–$1,548 | $230–$384 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,687–$4,700 | $1,225–$2,051 | $239–$448 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,304–$5,741 | $1,477–$2,785 | $287–$575 |
*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 Nashville to Knoxville move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Nashville to Knoxville move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together 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 | $120/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 Nashville to Knoxville
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Nashville to Knoxville, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 179 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 Nashville to Knoxville. 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 179 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 Knoxville to Nashville guide.
How does Knoxville compare to Nashville?
Cost of living: Nashville vs. Knoxville
The cost of living in Nashville vs. Knoxville is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Knoxville measures up against Nashville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 May 2026 across 71+ Tennessee cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Knoxville runs 9% cheaper than Nashville. Consider upgrading to a larger unit or banking the savings.
- Home prices in Knoxville are 44% lower than Nashville. Most buyers translate the gap into bigger square footage or a faster path to ownership.
- Average income in Knoxville is 32% lower than Nashville. Watch your real take-home, since lower salaries don't always pair with lower expenses.
- 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.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Knoxville are 38% lower than Nashville. The gap is meaningful enough to fund a meaningful lifestyle upgrade post-move.
- Unemployment rates are similar in Knoxville and Nashville. Job market dynamics carry over.
- Sales taxes are nearly identical in Knoxville and Nashville. No tax-driven adjustment to spending behavior is required.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Nashville, you'll need about $2,100 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Knoxville.
How life is different in Nashville vs. Knoxville
A look at how life in Knoxville measures up to Nashville covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| 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 |
- Knoxville is roughly 72% smaller in size than Nashville. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- During the last presidential election, both Nashville and Knoxville supported the Republican candidate.
- Summer highs in Knoxville (88°F) match Nashville (89°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Nashville (27°F) and Knoxville (28°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall matches across Nashville (49 inches) and Knoxville (50 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- Annual snowfall in Nashville (4 inches) and Knoxville (6 inches) is nearly identical. Snow-related expenses stay flat.
- Crime index in Knoxville (42.54) runs lower than Nashville (49.1). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
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: best movers from Nashville to Knoxville
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Nashville to Knoxville, 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 $230–$5,741 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 Nashville to Knoxville
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Nashville to Knoxville?
A full-service move from Nashville to Knoxville typically costs $825–$3,353 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,687–$4,700. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $2,304 and $5,741 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Nashville to Knoxville?
Moving containers from Nashville to Knoxville have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $608 and $1,464. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,225–$2,051. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,477 to $2,785.
How much is a moving truck from Nashville to Knoxville?
A rental moving truck from Nashville to Knoxville costs $244–$400 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $239–$448. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $287–$575.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Nashville-to-Knoxville movers?
Lock in your movers for a Nashville to Knoxville move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Knoxville?
The cheapest time of year to move to Knoxville is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
