McKinney, TX to Knoxville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McKinney to Knoxville typically costs $2,700–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 826 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McKinney to Knoxville
Moving from McKinney, TX to Knoxville, TN typically costs $2,700–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 826-mile move from McKinney to Knoxville, 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
- PODS recently quoted $2,118 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,338 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,510 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 23, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 04, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your McKinney to Knoxville move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,000 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,800 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in McKinney.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $700 to $1,700, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Knoxville, TN to McKinney, TX guide.
Best McKinney to Knoxville movers by type
Professional
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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 McKinney to Knoxville
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from McKinney to Knoxville much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 TX→TN movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 291 Texas movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from McKinney to Knoxville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Knoxville runs about -2% higher for singles and 7% higher for families than McKinney.
Singles spend around $2,184 in Knoxville versus $2,232 in McKinney; families pay $5,200 compared with $4,876.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McKinney | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,274 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $506,597 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,248 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,232 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,876 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from McKinney to Knoxville, expect to find rent about 22% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 31% more affordable in Knoxville compared to McKinney.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 8% lower in Knoxville compared to McKinney.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Knoxville and McKinney is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- If you're moving your family to Knoxville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 7% higher than in McKinney.
- The unemployment rate in Knoxville is about 22% lower than in McKinney. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Knoxville are 12% more than in McKinney, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Neither Texas nor Tennessee has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between McKinney and Knoxville:
| Living Expense | McKinney | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $146.67 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.33 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.00 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.75 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $23.38 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McKinney than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in McKinney than in Knoxville.
- Eggs cost more in McKinney than in Knoxville.
- Bread costs less in McKinney than in Knoxville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McKinney than in Knoxville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McKinney than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in McKinney than in Knoxville.
How life is different in McKinney vs. Knoxville
| McKinney | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 195,308 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 1 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 27 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 42 | 30 |
| Crime index | 21.48 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 78.52 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville's population is within about 5% of McKinney, so they’re very similar in size.
- Knoxville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than McKinney's score of 1.
- Knoxville is more walkable than McKinney with a score of 31 out of 100 vs McKinney's 27 out of 100.
- Knoxville has a bike-friendliness score of 30 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as McKinney, which has a score of 42.
- Knoxville's crime rate is higher than McKinney with a score of 42.54 compared to McKinney's 21.48. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McKinney neighborhoods are safer than 21.48%.
- Knoxville is considered to be less safe than McKinney with a score of 57.46 vs McKinney's 78.52.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in McKinney it's Good.
Other things to consider for your McKinney to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Tennessee’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Knoxville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Knoxville
Planning your move to Marble City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Knoxville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Farragut
- Oak Ridge
- Alcoa
- Maryville
- Seymour
- Lenoir City
- Louisville
- Eagleton Village
- Loudon
Best neighborhoods for families
- Farragut
- Oak Ridge
- Maryville
- Alcoa
- Louisville
- Loudon
- Clinton
Things to do in Knoxville
After settling into your new Tennessee home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Knoxville has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Knoxville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Knoxville Museum of Art, East Tennesse Historical Society, Muse Knoxville, and Old Smoky Railway Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Lakeshore Park, World's Fair Park, Krutch Park, and Fort Dickerson Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Knoxville?
Planning your move from McKinney to Knoxville? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in McKinney.
When is the cheapest time to move from McKinney to Knoxville?
Because most people are moving from McKinney to Knoxville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from McKinney to Knoxville take?
The 826-mile journey from McKinney, TX to Knoxville, TN, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in McKinney offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Knoxville.
Are there special savings available from movers in McKinney?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 6 have discounts for military personnel. 7 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in McKinney?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In McKinney, 37 movers can manage piano relocations. 31 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
