Moving from Mobile, AL to Knoxville, TN
It is 511 mi between Mobile and Knoxville β roughly 9h 25m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
511 mi Β· 9h 25m by car Β· TN β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 59, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Chattanooga, Birmingham, Montgomery |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.1% above Mobile β 88.098 β 92.569 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 55.8" |
Annual temperature drops 11.2Β°F moving to Knoxville per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.28 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Alabama 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 (11.2Β°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
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 0.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 511 mi and the route typically takes 9h 25m via I 65 and I 59. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 511 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 Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 5.1% higher than Mobile (92.569 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 89.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Knoxville, TN.