Moving from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN
Relocating between Richmond, VA and Knoxville, TN is a 437 mi drive β 8h 3m 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.
437 mi Β· 8h 3m by car Β· VA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 52, I 64 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 5.4% cheaper overall in Knoxville than Richmond on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Richmond to Knoxville β $369,646 vs $369,216 (2026-03).
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 29Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | 55.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.28 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.4% lower in Knoxville than Richmond.
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 Virginia 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-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 far is Knoxville, TN from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance is 437 mi and the route typically takes 8h 3m via I 81 and US 52. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 5.4% lower than Richmond (92.569 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $62,671 in Richmond β a 18.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 437 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 Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $369,646 in Richmond β a 0.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 647,440 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 Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA Β· Knoxville, TN.