Moving from High Point, NC to Knoxville, TN
Moving from High Point, NC to Knoxville, TN covers 286 mi and about 5h 21m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
286 mi Β· 5h 21m by car Β· TN β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 52, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Winston Salem, Greensboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| High Point | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Knoxville and High Point are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.865 vs 92.569); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Knoxville typical home at $369,216 is 0.3% above High Point at $249,821 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: High Point +0.3%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | High Point | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 55.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 61.1Β°F vs 57.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HIGH PT, NC US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | High Point | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,263 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $61,228 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 37.8 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.28 |
Median household income in Knoxville is 0.3% below High Point ($61,228 β $50,994, 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 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 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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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 does the job market in Knoxville compare to High Point?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $42,730 in the High Point MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in High Point vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $61,228 in High Point β a 16.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to High Point?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $249,821 in High Point β a 47.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from High Point to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 286 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Knoxville, TN from High Point, NC?
The driving distance is 286 mi and the route typically takes 5h 21m via I 81 and US 52. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Knoxville more expensive than High Point?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 0.3% lower than High Point (92.569 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from High Point.
City profiles: High Point, NC Β· Knoxville, TN.