Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Knoxvilletoggle

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Charleston to Knoxville can be as low as $1,104 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,260.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $415 to $966. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Knoxville

Charleston Knoxville
Average rent cost $2,500 $1,795
Average home value $559,231 $350,035
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $61,050
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $2,184
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $5,200
Unemployment rate 4.0% 4.7%
Sales tax 9.0% 9.25%
State income tax 7.0% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Knoxville are 28% lower than in Charleston.
  • Home prices in Knoxville are 37.4% lower than in Charleston.
  • Income in Knoxville is 2.0% lower than in Charleston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Knoxville is 58.8% lower than in Charleston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Knoxville is 34.1% lower than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Knoxville is 17.50% higher than in Charleston.
  • Sales taxes in Knoxville are 2.78% higher than in Charleston.
  • State income taxes in Knoxville are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,236.23 in Knoxville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Knoxville

Knoxville Charleston
Population 190,740 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 3
Walkability score 31 40
Bike friendliness score 30 50
Crime Index 42.54 44.97
Safety Index 57.46 55.03
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Knoxville's population is about 27% greater than Charleston.
  • Knoxville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Charleston's higher score of 3.
  • Knoxville is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
  • Knoxville has a bike-friendliness score 30 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100.
  • Knoxville's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 42.54 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
  • Knoxville is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 57.46 vs Charleston's 55.03.
  • Air quality in Knoxville is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Knoxville move

  • Weather: Best months to move into Knoxville are September, May and October as weather during are considered pleasant. Winters are generally much cooler and less stable, with occasional small amounts of snow.
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Knoxville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Knoxville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Marble City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Knoxville.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Farragut
  • Oak Ridge
  • Alcoa
  • Maryville
  • Seymour
  • Lenoir City
  • Louisville
  • Eagleton Village
  • Loudon

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Farragut
  • Oak Ridge
  • Maryville
  • Alcoa
  • Louisville
  • Loudon
  • Clinton

Things to do in Knoxvilletoggle

After settling into your new Tennessee home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Knoxville has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Knoxville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Knoxville Museum of Art, East Tennesse Historical Society, Muse Knoxville, Old Smoky Railway Museum, and Art Market Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lakeshore Park, World's Fair Park, Krutch Park, and Fort Dickerson Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Charleston to Knoxville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.

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

Because most people are moving from Charleston 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 Charleston to Knoxville take?

The 375-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Knoxville, TN, takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Knoxville.

Helpful moving resources

Charleston moving services

Popular South Carolina routes

Popular moving resources