Moving from Lowell, MA to Knoxville, TN
Relocating 924 mi from Lowell to Knoxville is a 17h 55m drive through 9 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
924 mi Β· 17h 55m by car Β· TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Allentown, Newark, Elizabeth, New York, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 14.5% cheaper overall in Knoxville than Lowell on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
14.5% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 55.8" |
Expect 8.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.28 |
Expect median household income to fall 14.5% β $76,205 β $50,994 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Massachusetts 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.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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
Is Knoxville more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 14.5% lower than Lowell (92.569 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 924 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 23.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 924 mi and the route typically takes 17h 55m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 33.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Knoxville, TN.