($1,368+) Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $1,368 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,796 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,579 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,910, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,796 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,748 - $7,020, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,368 - $3,990.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,250 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN
Moving options from Tacoma to Knoxville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $4,250 - $8,696 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 44% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 64% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,579 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,579-mile route from Tacoma to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,910 - $6,574 | $1,748 - $3,356 | $1,368 - $2,843 | $1,622 - $3,241 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,250 - $8,696 | $2,384 - $5,159 | $1,543 - $3,253 | $1,945 - $4,010 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,148 - $12,796 | $3,284 - $7,020 | $2,048 - $3,990 | $2,705 - $5,135 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,579-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Knoxville, Tennessee, with prices running from $2,910 - $12,796. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $332 - $2,212 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Tacoma and Knoxville are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Tacoma movers tend to run around $316 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,910 - $6,574
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,250 - $8,696
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,148 - $12,796
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Tacoma to Knoxville.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Knoxville, 76% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $553 - $5,530 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $221 - $1,327/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $332 - $2,654 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,106 - $3,318 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,765 - $11,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $828 - $1,574 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $1,106 - $2,765 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $885 - $3,871 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $332 - $1,659 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $719 - $2,212 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $332 - $16,590+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $332 - $3,871+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Knoxville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Tacoma, WA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $1,748 and $7,020. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Knoxville. If you go over that window, storage in Tacoma adds around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,748 - $3,356
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,384 - $5,159
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,284 - $7,020
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $83 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $166 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $774 in Tacoma, WA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Knoxville, TN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,748. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,384 - $5,159.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Knoxville?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Tacoma to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Tacoma:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 2,579-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $1,368 and $3,990, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $908 - $1,037
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tacoma to Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,368 - $2,843
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,543 - $3,253
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,048 - $3,990
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,368 - $3,990 does not include fuel ($908 - $1,037), lodging ($166/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Tacoma to Knoxville typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $908 - $1,037 for the 2,579-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Tacoma, Washington, for about 5 hours typically costs around $774.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,579-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $166 per night, adding $332 - $498 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $55 and $332.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Knoxville?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN
If you're moving a larger household from Tacoma, Washington, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Knoxville, Tennessee.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,945 and $4,010.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,622 - $3,241
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,945 - $4,010
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,705 - $5,135
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $83 - $166 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tacoma, Washington, typically costs $774.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Knoxville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Knoxville, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Knoxville, side by side with Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tacoma, WA | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 123 | 92 |
| Average rent | $1,650/mo | $1,795/mo |
| Median home value | $454,577 | $213,473 |
| Average income | $83,857/yr | $50,994/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 4.7% |
| State income tax | None | None |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 31/100 |
| Safety index | 44.45/100 | 57.46/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 279 movers based in Washington, handy for sizing up options on this 2,579-mile route.
Our take
A move from Tacoma, WA, to Knoxville, TN, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,910 - $12,796 on the 2,579-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,748 - $7,020, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,368 - $3,990. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $4,250 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Knoxville, TN
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Tacoma?
Local movers based in Tacoma typically start around $316 as a base rate, plus $133/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Knoxville run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Knoxville?
For families, Farragut, Oak Ridge, and Maryville are worth a look in Knoxville. If you're moving solo or without kids, Farragut, Oak Ridge, and Alcoa tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Tacoma, WA to Knoxville, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,543 - $3,253. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.