Moving from Miami, FL to Knoxville, TN
Relocating 863 mi from Miami to Knoxville is a 15h 59m drive through 3 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.
863 mi Β· 15h 59m by car Β· FL β GA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, TN 60, I 475 |
| Major cities en route | Hialeah, Miramar, Miami Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Miami | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 18.9% cheaper overall in Knoxville than Miami on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
18.9% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Miami -2.0%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Miami | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 61Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 57.2" | 55.8" |
Annual average temperature gap of 18.2Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MIAMI BEACH, FL US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Miami | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 446,663 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $59,390 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 39.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.28 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 18.9% lower in Knoxville than Miami.
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 Florida 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.2Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Miami to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 863 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 Miami vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $59,390 in Miami β a 14.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Miami, FL?
The driving distance is 863 mi and the route typically takes 15h 59m via I 75 and TN 60. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Miami?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 18.9% lower than Miami (92.569 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Miami?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $46,510 in the Miami MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Miami?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $579,564 in Miami β a 36.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Miami.
City profiles: Miami, FL Β· Knoxville, TN.