Moving from Fayetteville, NC to Knoxville, TN
Relocating between Fayetteville, NC and Knoxville, TN is a 382 mi drive β 7h 21m 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.
382 mi Β· 7h 21m by car Β· NC β VA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 52, I 81, US 421 |
| Major cities en route | Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fayetteville | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.978 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.779 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.081 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Fayetteville and Knoxville sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $225,534 in Fayetteville to $369,216 in Knoxville, a 0.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fayetteville +0.3%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fayetteville | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.9" | 55.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 61.9Β°F vs 57.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FAYETTEVILLE (PWC), NC US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fayetteville | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,692 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $56,395 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 30.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.6% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.28 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.6% lower in Knoxville than Fayetteville.
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 North Carolina 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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-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 Fayetteville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $225,534 in Fayetteville β a 63.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fayetteville vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $56,395 in Fayetteville β a 9.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Fayetteville, NC?
The driving distance is 382 mi and the route typically takes 7h 21m via US 52 and I 81. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Fayetteville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 0.6% higher than Fayetteville (92.569 vs 91.978, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fayetteville to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 382 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 Fayetteville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $41,480 in the Fayetteville MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 130,480 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 Fayetteville.
City profiles: Fayetteville, NC Β· Knoxville, TN.