Knoxville, TN to Pittsburgh, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Knoxville to Pittsburgh typically costs $2,400–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 493 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh
Moving from Knoxville, TN to Pittsburgh, PA typically costs $2,400–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 493-mile move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,456 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,438 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $695 for a 4 bedroom using a rental truck.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 09, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 21, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Knoxville to Pittsburgh
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh may only cost $1,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,400.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Knoxville.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($500–$1,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Knoxville, TN guide.
Best Knoxville to Pittsburgh movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Knoxville to Pittsburgh
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TN→PA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 71 Tennessee moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Knoxville to Pittsburgh
Overall, Knoxville and Pittsburgh land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,129 in Pittsburgh and $2,184 in Knoxville, while families in Pittsburgh see $5,011 versus $5,200 in Knoxville.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Knoxville | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,667 | $1,710 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,210 | $2,917 |
| Average home value | $350,035 | $222,451 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,050 | $54,306 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,184 | $2,129 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,200 | $5,011 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 3.07% |
- Rent is about 16% less expensive in Pittsburgh than in Knoxville, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 36% cheaper in Pittsburgh than in Knoxville.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 11% less in Pittsburgh than in Knoxville.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Pittsburgh and Knoxville, you likely won't feel a significant change.
- The cost of living for a family between Pittsburgh and Knoxville remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Pittsburgh has a higher unemployment rate than Knoxville by about 51%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 24% cheaper in Pittsburgh compared to Knoxville. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Pennsylvania has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Knoxville versus Pittsburgh:
| Living Expense | Knoxville | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.94 | $263.34 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $53.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.06 | $4.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.64 | $4.03 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $34.67 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Knoxville than in Pittsburgh, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Knoxville than in Pittsburgh.
- Eggs are less expensive in Knoxville than in Pittsburgh.
- Bread costs less in Knoxville than in Pittsburgh.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Knoxville than in Pittsburgh.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Knoxville than in Pittsburgh.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Knoxville than in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Pittsburgh
| Knoxville | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 303,255 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 30 | 55 |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 37.74 |
| Safety index | 57.46 | 62.26 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Pittsburgh's population is about 59% greater than Knoxville.
- Pittsburgh's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Knoxville's score of 4.
- Pittsburgh is more walkable than Knoxville with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Knoxville's 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Pittsburgh is more bike-friendly than Knoxville, which has a score of 30 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Pittsburgh's crime rate is lower than Knoxville with a score of 37.74 compared to Knoxville's 42.54. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54%.
- Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Knoxville with a safety index of 62.26 vs Knoxville's 57.46.
- Air quality in Pittsburgh is Good, and in Knoxville it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Knoxville to Pittsburgh move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Pittsburgh. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Pittsburgh
With your sights set on Birmingham of America, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Pittsburgh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenfield
- Oakland
- Polish Hill
- Shadyside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brookline
- Highland Park
- Point Breeze
- Regent Square
- Squirrel Hill North
Things to do in Pittsburgh
With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Pittsburgh. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Pittsburgh is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Duquesne Incline, Bicycle Heaven, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and The Andy Warhol Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End - Elliot Overlook Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Knoxville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh?
Want to save on your move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Knoxville to Pittsburgh take?
The 493-mile move from Knoxville, TN, to Pittsburgh, PA, takes one to four days. Some Knoxville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Pittsburgh.
What kinds of discounts do Knoxville movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Knoxville?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Knoxville provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
