Moving from Wichita, KS to Knoxville, TN
It is 854 mi between Wichita and Knoxville β roughly 16h 26m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 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.
854 mi Β· 16h 26m by car Β· KS β MO β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, I 24, US 400 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Clarksville, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Wichita and Knoxville sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $202,720 in Wichita to $369,216 in Knoxville, a 4.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wichita | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 55.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 57.7Β°F vs 57.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.28 |
Households in Knoxville earn about 4.1% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Kansas 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $202,720 in Wichita β a 82.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 4.1% higher than Wichita (92.569 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $63,072 in Wichita β a 19.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 854 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 Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 854 mi and the route typically takes 16h 26m via US 60 and I 24. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 303,910 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 Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS Β· Knoxville, TN.