Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Knoxville, TN
Relocating between Cincinnati, OH and Knoxville, TN is a 255 mi drive β 4h 46m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
255 mi Β· 4h 46m by car Β· OH β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 71, I 275 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cincinnati | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.37 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.954 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.751 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.608 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cincinnati +1.7%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cincinnati | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.4" | 55.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cincinnati | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,595 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $51,707 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 33 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.28 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Ohio 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
- 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 much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Cincinnati?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $249,568 in Cincinnati β a 47.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Cincinnati?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 2.9% lower than Cincinnati (92.569 vs 95.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cincinnati vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $51,707 in Cincinnati β a 1.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Cincinnati, OH?
The driving distance is 255 mi and the route typically takes 4h 46m via I 75 and I 71. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 255 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 Cincinnati?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 1,081,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cincinnati.
City profiles: Cincinnati, OH Β· Knoxville, TN.