Key factors that impact the cost of your Knoxville to New York City movetoggle

The cost of Knoxville movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Knoxville to New York City (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,475, while larger moves may reach $8,716 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Knoxville.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $586 to $1,513, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Knoxville to New York City

Moving from Knoxville to New York City comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since New York City 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 New York City
Average rent cost $1,795 $4,340
Average home value $350,035 $752,778
Average income (per capita) $61,050 $78,058
Cost of living (single person) $2,184 $5,683
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,200 $15,081
Unemployment rate 4.7% 11.2%
Sales tax 9.25% 8.0%
State income tax 0.0% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in New York City are 142% higher than in Knoxville, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 New York City are 115.1% higher than in Knoxville.
  • Income in New York City is 27.9% higher than in Knoxville, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in New York City include IBM, PepsiCo, and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co..
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in New York City, since the cost of living for a single person in New York City is 160.2% higher than in Knoxville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to New York City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in New York City is 190.0% higher than in Knoxville.
  • The unemployment rate in New York City is 138.30% higher than in Knoxville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in New York City, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in New York City are 13.51% lower than in Knoxville.
  • State income taxes in New York City are 10.90% higher than in Knoxville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,806.32 in New York City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Knoxville.

How life is different in Knoxville vs. New York City

New York City Knoxville
Population 8,258,035 190,740
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 4
Walkability score 88 31
Bike friendliness score 69 30
Crime Index 50.83 42.54
Safety Index 49.17 57.46
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of New York City is about 4,229% greater than Knoxville, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • New York City offers better access to buses and trains than Knoxville, based on public transportation ratings. New York City has a transit score of 10 out of 10 compared to 4 in Knoxville. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in New York City means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Knoxville. New York City is considered more walkable than Knoxville, with a score of 88 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Knoxville. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, New York City is considered more bike-friendly than Knoxville in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, while Knoxville is rated as 30 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in New York City is higher than in Knoxville, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 50.83 in New York City, it is 42.54 in Knoxville. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in New York City. With a crime index of 49.17, New York City ranks lower in overall safety than Knoxville, whose index is Knoxville's 57.46. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in New York City and Knoxville is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Knoxville vs. New York City move

  • Weather: New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26ยฐF to 87ยฐF. Temps are rarely below 10ยฐF or above 95ยฐF.
  • 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While New York 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 New York City 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. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in New York City

With your sights set on "Big Apple", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in New York City.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Astoria, Queens
  • Lower East Side, Manhattan
  • Murray Hill, Manhattan
  • Upper East Side, Manhattan
  • Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Battery Park City, Manhattan
  • Forest Hills, Queens
  • Great Kills, Staten Island
  • Park Slope, Brooklyn
  • Riverdale, Bronx

Things to do in New York City

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

  • Arts and culture: New York City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, New York Public Library, and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, and Washington Square Park 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 Brooklyn Nets (NBA), Long Island Nets (NBA G League), New York City FC (MLS), or New York Giants (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Knoxville to New York City?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Knoxville to New York City are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Knoxville are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to New York City?

With many people choosing to move from Knoxville to New York City in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Knoxville to New York City take?

Moving from Knoxville, TN to New York City, NY covers 706 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Knoxville movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in New York City.

Helpful moving resources