Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Knoxville, TN
A move from Elizabeth, NJ to Knoxville, TN covers 697 mi and around 13h 10m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
697 mi Β· 13h 10m by car Β· TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Allentown, Paterson, Newark, Yonkers, New York |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 92.569, putting Knoxville roughly 17.8% below Elizabeth on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Knoxville: 17.8% below Elizabeth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 55.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.28 |
Median household income in Knoxville is 17.8% below Elizabeth ($63,874 vs $50,994, ACS 5-year 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 New Jersey 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 697 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 20.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 17.8% lower than Elizabeth (92.569 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 30.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 697 mi and the route typically takes 13h 10m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 6 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 Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Knoxville, TN.