Moving from Cape Coral, FL to Knoxville, TN
It is 776 mi between Cape Coral and Knoxville β roughly 14h 27m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
776 mi Β· 14h 27m by car Β· FL β GA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, CR 765, TN 60 |
| Major cities en route | St Petersburg, Tampa, Lakeland, Clearwater, Gainesville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cape Coral | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.349 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.901 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.113 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Knoxville at 92.569 vs Cape Coral at 102.349.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.6% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cape Coral -8.4%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cape Coral | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 54Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 57.4" | 55.8" |
Expect 17.5Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT MYERS PAGE FLD AP, FL US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cape Coral | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,387 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $76,062 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 48.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.28 |
Knoxville households earn about 9.6% less than Cape Coral at the median β $76,062 β $50,994 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Knoxville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,000 | $39,660 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 40,780 | $28,680 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 39,220 | $36,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,880 | $32,470 |
| Production Occupations | 33,840 | $41,910 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Knoxville averages 55.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Cape Coral vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $76,062 in Cape Coral β a 33.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cape Coral to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 776 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Cape Coral?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $43,330 in the Cape Coral MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 290,450 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Cape Coral?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $338,302 in Cape Coral β a 9.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Cape Coral?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 9.6% lower than Cape Coral (92.569 vs 102.349, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Cape Coral, FL?
The driving distance is 776 mi and the route typically takes 14h 27m via I 75 and CR 765. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cape Coral.
City profiles: Cape Coral, FL Β· Knoxville, TN.