Factors that influence moving costs from Chesapeake to Knoxvilletoggle

The cost of Chesapeake movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chesapeake to Knoxville might cost as little as $1,333, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,625.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chesapeake, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $503 to $1,253. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Knoxville

Moving from Chesapeake to Knoxville comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Knoxville is generally more expensive than Chesapeake, 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:

Chesapeake Knoxville
Average rent cost $1,800 $1,795
Average home value $375,209 $350,035
Average income (per capita) $63,484 $61,050
Cost of living (single person) $1,882 $2,184
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,656 $5,200
Unemployment rate 5.0% 4.7%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.25%
State income tax 5.75% 0.0%
  • Rent prices are the same in Knoxville and Chesapeake.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Knoxville.
    Home prices in Knoxville are 6.7% lower than in Chesapeake.
  • Income in Knoxville is 3.8% lower than in Chesapeake, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Knoxville include Regal Cinemas Corp, Regal, and Pilot Flying J.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Knoxville, since the cost of living for a single person in Knoxville is 16.0% higher than in Chesapeake. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 42.2% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • The unemployment rate in Knoxville is 6.00% lower than in Chesapeake.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Knoxville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Knoxville are 54.17% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • One perk of moving to Knoxville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chesapeake.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,481.40 in Knoxville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chesapeake.

How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Knoxville

Knoxville Chesapeake
Population 190,740 249,422
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 2
Walkability score 31 21
Bike friendliness score 30 35
Crime Index 42.54 25.0
Safety Index 57.46 70.88
Air Quality Good Good
  • Knoxville's population is about 24% less than Chesapeake.
  • Knoxville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chesapeake's lower score of 2.
  • Knoxville is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chesapeake's 21 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 Chesapeake, which has a score of 35 out of 100.
  • Knoxville's crime rate is higher than Chesapeake with a score of 42.54 compared to Chesapeake's 25.0. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
  • Knoxville is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 57.46 vs Chesapeake's 70.88.
  • Air quality in Knoxville is good, and in Chesapeake it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chesapeake 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: 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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Tennessee 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 Knoxville 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. 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

With your sights set on "Marble City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Knoxville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Farragut
  • Maryville
  • Seymour
  • Lenoir City
  • Louisville

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Oak Ridge
  • Maryville
  • Alcoa
  • Louisville
  • Clinton

Things to do in Knoxville

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.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chesapeake to Knoxville. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chesapeake.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chesapeake to Knoxville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Chesapeake to Knoxville take?

The 538-mile journey from Chesapeake, VA to Knoxville, TN typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Chesapeake 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.

Helpful moving resources