How Much Does It Cost to Move from Nashville to Knoxville?
Nashville to Knoxville covers 180 miles east on I-40 through the Tennessee heartland. Full-service movers average $2,500, while a DIY rental truck runs $1,000-$1,250. The drive takes about 2.5 hours. Many Nashville residents relocate to Knoxville for lower housing costs and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains.
From
Nashville, Tennessee
To
Knoxville, Tennessee
Distance
180 miles
Drive Time
~3 hrs
Mover Transit
1 day
Nashville to Knoxville Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Option | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $2,500 |
| DIY rental truck | $1,000 |
| Distance | 180 miles |
| Transit time (movers) | 1 day |
| DIY savings vs. movers | $1,500 |
DIY vs. Movers: Which Is Right for This Move?
Choose DIY if: You're moving a small amount of belongings, have friends who can help at both ends, are comfortable driving a large truck over a long distance, and have flexibility on timing.
Choose movers if: You have a full household, valuable or fragile items, limited time off work, or you simply don't want the stress of driving a 26-foot truck across multiple states.
Hybrid option: You pack and load, movers drive. This saves 30–40% vs. full-service movers while eliminating the hardest part — driving. Look for "you-pack, we-drive" or portable storage container services.
What's Included in a Long-Distance Moving Quote
Most long-distance mover quotes include loading, transport, and unloading. They do not automatically include:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, blankets) — add $100–400
- Packing service (movers do the packing) — add $400–1,200
- Storage if delivery is delayed — add $100–300/month
- Stair and elevator fees at origin or destination
- Long carry surcharges if trucks can't park close
Get Free Moving Quotes in Knoxville
Compare prices from up to 3 local movers. No obligation, no spam.
Want to Estimate Costs Before Getting Quotes?
Use our free calculator to build a detailed moving budget — movers, truck rental, flights, deposits, and all the hidden costs.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →Explore Origin & Destination
FAQ — Nashville to Knoxville Moving Cost
How much does it cost to move Nashville to Knoxville?
Moving Nashville to Knoxville costs an average of $2,500 with full-service movers. A DIY rental truck runs approximately $1,000 including fuel.
How long does it take to move Nashville to Knoxville?
Transit time for a Nashville to Knoxville move is typically 1 day for professional movers. DIY driving takes the same time but requires you to drive the truck yourself.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or DIY for a Nashville to Knoxville move?
DIY saves roughly $1,500 on a Nashville to Knoxville move ($1,000 vs. $2,500). However, DIY requires your time, physical effort, and the risk of damage. For long routes, full-service movers often make more sense for families with lots of furniture.
How many miles is a Nashville to Knoxville move?
The Nashville to Knoxville route covers approximately 180 miles. Long-distance movers price by weight plus mileage — expect the mileage component to add $700–1,500 on top of the base weight-based price.
What should I budget for a Nashville to Knoxville move?
Budget $2,500 for professional movers or $1,000 for DIY. Add $500–1,000 for packing materials, lodging en route, and contingency costs that most quotes don't include.
How far in advance should I book movers for a Nashville to Knoxville move?
Book 6–8 weeks in advance for summer moves (May–September), 3–4 weeks for off-peak moves. Long-distance movers fill up faster than local companies — especially for popular routes like this one.
From the Blog
Route costs are averages for a 2-bedroom home. DIY costs include truck rental and fuel. Actual costs vary by weight, season, and carrier.
Data last reviewed: March 2026. Learn about our data