Factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Knoxvilletoggle

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Knoxville might cost as little as $1,165, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $6,313.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Charleston, 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 $375 to $917. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Knoxville

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

Charleston Knoxville
Average rent cost $875 $1,795
Average home value $153,672 $350,035
Average income (per capita) $59,354 $61,050
Cost of living (single person) $1,549 $2,184
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,862 $5,200
Unemployment rate 6.2% 4.7%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.25%
State income tax 6.5% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Knoxville are 105% higher than in Charleston, 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 Charleston.
    Home prices in Knoxville are 127.8% higher than in Charleston.
  • Income in Knoxville is 2.9% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more 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 41.0% higher than in Charleston. 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 34.6% higher than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Knoxville is 24.19% lower than in Charleston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Knoxville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Knoxville are 32.14% higher than in Charleston.
  • One perk of moving to Knoxville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,229.83 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 48,018
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 2
Walkability score 31 33
Bike friendliness score 30 28
Crime Index 42.54 53.94
Safety Index 57.46 46.06
Air Quality Good Good
  • Knoxville's population is about 297% greater than Charleston.
  • Knoxville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
  • Knoxville and Charleston are similarily walkable.
  • Both Knoxville and Charleston have the same bike-friendliness score of 28 out of 100, meaning Knoxville is about as safe for cyclists as Charleston. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Knoxville's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 42.54 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
  • Knoxville is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 57.46 vs Charleston's 46.06.
  • 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: 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
  • Eagleton Village

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Farragut
  • Oak Ridge
  • Alcoa
  • Louisville
  • Loudon

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 Charleston to Knoxville?

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

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston 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 Charleston to Knoxville take?

The 310-mile journey from Charleston, WV to Knoxville, TN typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Charleston 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