Best San Diego to Knoxville Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from San Diego to Knoxville and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,202 mile move from California to Tennessee go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 22 San Diego to Knoxville moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Diego compared to Knoxville. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best San Diego to Knoxville Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Rock Movers | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.46 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Boundless Moving & Storage | 9.33 | 9.36 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
4 | Buster’s Box’s Moving | 8.98 | 9.01 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
5 | Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. | 8.94 | 8.13 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from San Diego to Knoxville
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,202 miles from San Diego, CA to Knoxville, TN will cost on average $3,654 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to Knoxville move is roughly $8,821. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,451 | 300 ft³ | 8.17 |
1 Bedroom | $3,654 | 450 ft³ | 8.12 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,052 | 750 ft³ | 8.07 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,821 | 1100 ft³ | 8.02 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,751 | 1600 ft³ | 7.97 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,255 | 1800 ft³ | 7.92 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Knoxville to San Diego guide.
Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Knoxville Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

The Rock Movers
7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306
San Diego, CA, 92111
About The Rock Movers
The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....
Services
- Local Residential
- Furniture Moving
- Full Packing Service
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3653432 / 1541470 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 7 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
2020 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, CA, 92108
About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...
Services
- Local Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3177184 / 1157114 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 7 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 200,000 (2024) |

Boundless Moving & Storage
5595 N. Lee Hwy
Cleveland, TN, 37312
About Boundless Moving & Storage
Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2798532 / 934519 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 358,520 (2022) |

Buster’s Box’s Moving
5927 John May Dr
Knoxville, TN, 37921
About Buster’s Box’s Moving
Buster’s Box’s Moving is a Knoxville, TN-based moving company that offers a variety of services including local moves, out of state...
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4125824 / 1578852 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2023) |

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.
13026 Stowe Dr A
Poway, CA, 92064
About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.
Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...
Services
- Long Distance Moving
- International Moving
- Storage Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 877737 / 383831 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 8,778 (2022) |

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
San Diego vs. Knoxville Neighborhood Comparison
When relocating, it helps to find a piece of home in your new city. This guide is designed to compare San Diego, CA & Knoxville, TN neighborhoods to help you familiarize yourself with Knoxville by using your San Diego experience as a baseline. Discover which Knoxville neighborhood matches your San Diego favorite.
San Diego | Knoxville | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
La Jolla | Sequoyah Hills | Scenic views, upscale |
Pacific Beach | Fort Sanders | Youthful, vibrant nightlife |
North Park | Old North Knoxville | Historic homes, artsy |
Gaslamp Quarter | Downtown Knoxville | Historic, lively entertainment |
Hillcrest | Fourth & Gill | Diverse, welcoming community |
Little Italy | Market Square | Dining, shopping, events |
Point Loma | Bearden | Waterfront access, charming places |
Coronado | Westmoreland | Exclusive, peaceful living |
Encinitas | South Knoxville | Outdoor activities, friendly |
Ocean Beach | Island Home Park | Laid-back, close-knit community |
Upon closer examination, you'll find Sequoyah Hills shares La Jolla's appreciation for scenic beauty and exclusivity, with both neighborhoods boasting stunning waterfront views. Old North Knoxville echoes North Park's affection for historical charm and a thriving arts scene, offering an eclectic mix of local shops, restaurants, and historic homes. If you're drawn to the vibrant nightlife and cultural festivities of Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown Knoxville will captivate you with its rich history and bustling Market Square, home to lively events and local gastronomy. For those seeking a diverse and welcoming atmosphere akin to Hillcrest, Fourth & Gill presents a vibrant community enriched by art, diversity, and historic architecture. These thoughtful comparisons aim to ease your transition by highlighting Knoxville neighborhoods that reflect the spirit and charm of your San Diego favorites.

Things to Do in Knoxville
- Visit World's Fair Park
- Stroll through Knoxville Botanical Garden
- Enjoy a show at Tennessee Theatre
- Shop at Market Square
- Watch a game at Neyland Stadium
- Taste local brews at Smoky Mountain Brewery
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Knoxville
Moving from one city to another is a significant life change that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from San Diego, CA to Knoxville, TN, helping you weigh your decision carefully.
- High living costs
- Heavy traffic
- Dense population
- Lower living costs
- Less congestion
- Smaller community
- No beaches
- Humid summers
- Quieter atmosphere
- Beautiful beaches
- Mild winters
- Vibrant city life
Moving from the vibrant, bustling cityscape of San Diego to Knoxville's more laid-back atmosphere presents a distinct change in lifestyle. San Diego's pristine beaches like La Jolla Shores and vibrant nightlife in areas such as the Gaslamp Quarter, contrast with Knoxville’s tranquil parks like Lakeshore Park and unique local spots such as Market Square. However, Knoxville offers a charming which local establishments, such as the Olde City and Zoo Knoxville, anchor a tight-knit community. This move invites an opportunity for personal growth and new experiences, embracing a lifestyle that celebrates both the grandeur of nature and the intimacy of small-town charm.
San Diego vs. Knoxville Food Guide
Understanding that food reflects the heart and soul of a city's culture, we have prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Knoxville for you. This comparison will give you a taste of what to expect from the food scene in your new hometown.
San Diego | Knoxville | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fish Tacos | Buttermilk Biscuits |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Pulled Pork BBQ |
Most popular street food item | California Burrito | Smoked Sausage |
Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowl | BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In San Diego, the culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, reflecting its coastal location and cultural melting pot. Neighborhoods like Little Italy and Gaslamp Quarter are culinary hotspots, where you can taste the city's iconic fish tacos or indulge in innovative dishes at establishments like Juniper & Ivy. On the other hand, Knoxville offers a rich Southern culinary heritage with a modern twist. Areas such as Market Square and Gay Street feature beloved local staples like buttermilk biscuits at eateries that represent the spirit of the city, such as Ye Olde Steakhouse and Calhoun's On The River.
San Diego vs. Knoxville Restaurant Comparison
Relocating brings the challenge of finding new favorite spots, especially when it comes to dining out. This restaurant comparison between San Diego and Knoxville aims to ease your transition by guiding you to local eateries in your new city that resonate with your old favorites. Let’s make Knoxville feel like home, one meal at a time.
San Diego | Knoxville | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Juniper & Ivy | Emilia | Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, paralleling Juniper & Ivy’s innovative approach. |
Hodad's | Stock & Barrel | Known for their gourmet burgers and local brews, echoing the vibe of Hodad's legendary offerings. |
Phil's BBQ | Dead End BBQ | A haven for BBQ enthusiasts that captures the essence of Phil’s BBQ with its award-winning sauces and smoked meats. |
Cucina Urbana | A Dopo Sourdough Pizza | Serving wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes, a casual but chic spot reminiscent of Cucina Urbana. |
Cafe 21 | The Plaid Apron | Offers a farm-to-table dining experience, capturing Cafe 21’s essence of fresh, local, and inventive cuisine. |
George's at the Cove | Water into Wine | Provides an upscale dining experience with breathtaking views, much like George’s at the Cove. |
Las Cuatro Milpas | Good Golly Tamale | Known for their authentic tamales and Mexican street food, a Knoxville favorite similar to Las Cuatro Milpas. |
Oscar's Mexican Seafood | Chivo Taqueria | Offers a taste of gourmet tacos and seafood, reflecting the essence of Oscar’s Mexican Seafood. |
Born & Raised | The Public House | Knoxville’s upscale gastropub with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, similar to Born & Raised’s philosophy. |
Mister A's | Boyd's Jig & Reel | While offering a different vibe, it's a top spot in Knoxville for those who appreciate a well-curated dining experience with a view. |
In your quest to find new culinary delights in Knoxville that remind you of San Diego's vibrant dining scene, these comparisons highlight the diverse and rich food culture both cities offer. For instance, embracing the farm-to-table concept, The Plaid Apron charms its guests with a dedication to locally-sourced ingredients and innovative dishes, much like Cafe 21 does in the heart of San Diego. BBQ lovers will feel right at home at Dead End BBQ, where the homage to classic American BBQ traditions and the pursuit of the perfect smoked meats create a nostalgic reminiscence of Phil's BBQ. Whether it's the artisanal pizzas at A Dopo Sourdough Pizza or the crafted burgers at Stock & Barrel, Knoxville promises to deliver experiences that will help San Diego transplants find new favorites in their new hometown.

Ready to start your move?
San Diego vs. Knoxville Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding the real estate landscape is crucial when planning a move. This comparison aims to provide clarity on how housing in San Diego, CA, and Knoxville, TN stacks up. Whether you're concerned about cost, walkability, or the local architectural style, this guide will assist in making an informed decision.
Comparison | San Diego | Knoxville |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial, Modern | Craftsman, Colonial Revival |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean view, proximity to beaches | Mountain view, spacious yards |
When considering a move from San Diego to Knoxville, you're looking at more than just a change of scenery. The stark difference in median home prices and rents between the two cities can significantly impact your financial planning. San Diego’s housing market is notably pricier, reflecting its oceanic vistas and vibrant urban lifestyle. However, Knoxville offers a blend of suburban charm and urban convenience, complemented by its relatively lower cost of living. The city's higher bikeability score points to a more bike-friendly community, an advantage for those who prefer cycling over driving. Additionally, Knoxville's prevalent Craftsman and Colonial Revival architecture add a historical and aesthetic value to its neighborhoods, contrasting with San Diego's Spanish Colonial and Modern buildings that cater to a different taste and lifestyle.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Knoxville, TN
1. Sequoyah Hills: With expansive green spaces like Sequoyah Park, your pets can enjoy long walks along the Tennessee River, making it a haven for dog owners.
2. Bearden: Bearden offers a pet-friendly community vibe, with numerous farmers' markets and outdoor cafes where your pets are welcome to join you.
3. Old City: The Old City neighborhood is bustling with pet-friendly bars and restaurants, alongside stylish boutiques that often allow pets to accompany their owners while shopping.
San Diego vs. Knoxville Weather Considerations
When planning your move from San Diego, CA to Knoxville, TN, understanding the weather differences is crucial. The climate you're accustomed to in San Diego will significantly differ in Knoxville, affecting everything from your daily wardrobe choices to potential activities. Here’s a comparative look at the weather conditions in both cities to ease your transition.
San Diego, CA
Knoxville, TN
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Knoxville, TN
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Knoxville, TN
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Diego, CA
Knoxville, TN
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | San Diego | Knoxville |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, Floods |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Transitioning from San Diego to Knoxville will introduce you to more distinct seasons, including warmer summers and colder winters in Knoxville. Notably, you will experience a significant increase in annual rainfall, jumping from around 10 inches in San Diego to 50 inches in Knoxville. This could influence outdoor activities, gardening, and even your wardrobe. Knoxville also experiences a higher average humidity and fewer days of sunshine, which might affect your daily life, especially if you're used to the dry, sunny climate of San Diego. Understanding these differences will help you prepare adequately for your new home in Tennessee.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Knoxville
When planning a move from one city to another, it becomes crucial to consider the financial implications of such a transition. Understanding how the cost of living and financial environment in San Diego compares to Knoxville can help you better prepare for what lies ahead. This detailed comparison aims to provide a clearer financial perspective for your move.
Comparison | San Diego | Knoxville |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $93,042 | $45,700 |
Cost of Living Index | 132.3 | 89.4 |
State Income Tax | 13.3 (max) | 0 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.77 | 0.68 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75 | 9.25 |
Top 3 Industries | Military, Tourism, International Trade | Manufacturing, Education, Health Services |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Higher |
Homelessness | High | Moderate |
When comparing San Diego to Knoxville, the stark contrast in the cost of living and household income stands out immediately. Your dollar can stretch much further in Knoxville, thanks to its lower cost of living index and the absence of state income tax, which contrasts significantly with California's steep taxes. However, Knoxville has a higher average sales tax. The main industries between the two cities also differ, poised to offer different employment opportunities. Additionally, while San Diego may have a higher average income, it also struggles with a higher rate of homelessness, highlighting some of the socio-economic challenges you might not face as prominently in Knoxville.
San Diego vs. Knoxville Political & Religious Comparison
Considering a move from San Diego, CA to Knoxville, TN? A quick comparison will offer you a glimpse into the political and religious makeup between San Diego & Knoxville. This at-a-glance snapshot helps you understand the cultural landscape you’re moving from and to.
San Diego | Knoxville | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Liberal | Lean Conservative |
Local Politics | Democratic Majority | Republican Majority |
Religion | More secular/Various religious communities | Largely Christian |
San Diego and Knoxville present contrasting cultural landscapes, especially in terms of politics and religion. San Diego leans more liberal with a Democratic majority in local politics, reflecting California's statewide political leaning. In contrast, Knoxville leans conservative, with a Republican majority shaping local governance, mirroring much of Tennessee's political landscape. Regarding religion, San Diego hosts a diverse array of faith communities, maintaining a more secular environment overall. However, in Knoxville, Christianity plays a significantly bigger role in community life and local culture. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for the cultural shift you may experience with your move.
San Diego vs. Knoxville Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from San Diego, CA to Knoxville, TN? This guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Knoxville to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like.
Comparison | San Diego | Knoxville |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 22 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Possible but challenging | Difficult |
Moving to Knoxville from San Diego, you'll find some differences in your commuting experience. While both cities offer vibrant cultures and lifestyles, San Diego has slightly more traffic congestion but also better public transit availability, making it somewhat easier to get by without a car. In contrast, Knoxville, with its lower traffic congestion, might seem easier to navigate, but the limited public transit options make having a car almost a necessity. This difference greatly impacts daily life, particularly in how you plan your commute, whether to downtown offices or weekend outings. Consider the balance of convenience, cost, and preference when deciding on your mode of transportation in your new home city.



Additional Resources
San Diego Moving Services
Popular San Diego to Tennessee Routes
Popular Moving Resources