Factors that influence moving costs from Knoxville to Madisontoggle

The cost of Knoxville movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Knoxville to Madison might cost as little as $1,501, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,294.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Knoxville, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $579 to $1,533. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Knoxville to Madison

Moving from Knoxville to Madison comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Madison is generally more expensive than Knoxville, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Knoxville Madison
Average rent cost $1,795 $1,600
Average home value $350,035 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $61,050 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $2,184 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,200 $5,457
Unemployment rate 4.7% 3.3%
Sales tax 9.25% 5.5%
State income tax 0.0% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 11% lower than in Knoxville, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Knoxville.
    Home prices in Madison are 5.1% higher than in Knoxville.
  • Income in Madison is 3.1% higher than in Knoxville, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Madison include Datex Ohmeda, American Family Insurance, and Fairway Independent Mortgage.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Madison, since the cost of living for a single person in Madison is 4.9% higher than in Knoxville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Madison, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Madison is 4.9% higher than in Knoxville.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 29.79% lower than in Knoxville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 40.54% lower than in Knoxville.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 7.65% higher than in Knoxville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,148.35 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Knoxville.

How life is different in Knoxville vs. Madison

Madison Knoxville
Population 269,840 190,740
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 50 31
Bike friendliness score 66 30
Crime Index 34.57 42.54
Safety Index 65.43 57.46
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about 41% greater than Knoxville.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Knoxville's lower score of 4.
  • Madison is more walkable than Knoxville with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Knoxville's 31 out of 100.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Knoxville, which has a score of 30 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Madison's crime rate is lower than Knoxville with a score of 34.57 compared to Knoxville's 42.54. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Knoxville with a safety index of 65.43 vs Knoxville's 57.46.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Knoxville it's good.

Other things to consider for your Knoxville vs. Madison move

  • Weather: August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, itโ€™s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Wisconsin, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Wisconsin doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Madison without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Madison

With your sights set on "Mad City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Madison.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Shorewood Hills
  • Fitchburg
  • Maple Bluff
  • Monona
  • Verona

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Dudgeon-Monroe
  • Hill Farms-University
  • Maple-Prairie
  • Westmorland
  • Wexford

Things to do in Madison

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Wisconsin, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Madison has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Madison features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and University of Wisconsin Geology Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA), Madison Mallards (Baseball), Madison Radicals (AUDL), or Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Madison?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Knoxville to Madison. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Knoxville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Madison?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Knoxville to Madison, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Knoxville to Madison take?

The 688-mile journey from Knoxville, TN to Madison, WI typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Knoxville offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Madison.

Helpful moving resources