Best San Diego to Knoxville Movers + Moving Guide

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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.

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Best San Diego to Knoxville Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1The Rock Movers9.499.53Authorized For HHGContact
2Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.469.62Authorized For HHGContact
3Boundless Moving & Storage9.339.36Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Buster’s Box’s Moving8.989.01Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.948.13Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,451300 ft³8.17
1 Bedroom$3,654450 ft³8.12
2 Bedrooms$6,052750 ft³8.07
3 Bedrooms$8,8211100 ft³8.02
4 Bedrooms$12,7511600 ft³7.97
5+ Bedrooms$14,2551800 ft³7.92
*Please note: These California to Tennessee moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Tennessee. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to TN mover.
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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 Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,305+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.46/10
based on 477+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo

Boundless Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,378+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Buster’s Box’s Moving Logo

Buster’s Box’s Moving

Superb8.98/10
based on 430+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4125824 / 1578852

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Superb8.94/10
based on 2,147+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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 DiegoKnoxvilleHow They're Similar
La JollaSequoyah HillsScenic views, upscale
Pacific BeachFort SandersYouthful, vibrant nightlife
North ParkOld North KnoxvilleHistoric homes, artsy
Gaslamp QuarterDowntown KnoxvilleHistoric, lively entertainment
HillcrestFourth & GillDiverse, welcoming community
Little ItalyMarket SquareDining, shopping, events
Point LomaBeardenWaterfront access, charming places
CoronadoWestmorelandExclusive, peaceful living
EncinitasSouth KnoxvilleOutdoor activities, friendly
Ocean BeachIsland Home ParkLaid-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.

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Things to Do in Knoxville

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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.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Dense population
Knoxville, TN iconKnoxville, TN
  • Lower living costs
  • Less congestion
  • Smaller community
Knoxville, TN iconKnoxville, TN
  • No beaches
  • Humid summers
  • Quieter atmosphere
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • 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 DiegoKnoxville
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosButtermilk Biscuits
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular street food itemCalifornia BurritoSmoked Sausage
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlBBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Juniper & Ivy
  • Phil's BBQ
  • Hodad's
  • Ye Olde Steakhouse
  • Calhoun's On The River
  • Sweet P's BBQ & Soul House
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 DiegoKnoxvilleWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvyEmiliaItalian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, paralleling Juniper & Ivy’s innovative approach.
Hodad'sStock & BarrelKnown for their gourmet burgers and local brews, echoing the vibe of Hodad's legendary offerings.
Phil's BBQDead End BBQA haven for BBQ enthusiasts that captures the essence of Phil’s BBQ with its award-winning sauces and smoked meats.
Cucina UrbanaA Dopo Sourdough PizzaServing wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes, a casual but chic spot reminiscent of Cucina Urbana.
Cafe 21The Plaid ApronOffers a farm-to-table dining experience, capturing Cafe 21’s essence of fresh, local, and inventive cuisine.
George's at the CoveWater into WineProvides an upscale dining experience with breathtaking views, much like George’s at the Cove.
Las Cuatro MilpasGood Golly TamaleKnown for their authentic tamales and Mexican street food, a Knoxville favorite similar to Las Cuatro Milpas.
Oscar's Mexican SeafoodChivo TaqueriaOffers a taste of gourmet tacos and seafood, reflecting the essence of Oscar’s Mexican Seafood.
Born & RaisedThe Public HouseKnoxville’s upscale gastropub with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, similar to Born & Raised’s philosophy.
Mister A'sBoyd's Jig & ReelWhile 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.

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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.

ComparisonSan DiegoKnoxville
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, ModernCraftsman, Colonial Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean view, proximity to beachesMountain 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.

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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.

Summer icon
76°F / 68°F

San Diego, CA

88°F / 67°F

Knoxville, TN

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F / 49°F

San Diego, CA

47°F / 30°F

Knoxville, TN

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
10.34

San Diego, CA

50.0

Knoxville, TN

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Diego, CA

6

Knoxville, TN

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan DiegoKnoxville
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresTornadoes, 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.

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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.

ComparisonSan DiegoKnoxville
Avg. Household Income$93,042$45,700
Cost of Living Index132.389.4
State Income Tax13.3 (max)0
Avg. Property Tax0.770.68
Avg. Sales Tax7.759.25
Top 3 IndustriesMilitary, Tourism, International TradeManufacturing, Education, Health Services
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessHighModerate

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 DiegoKnoxville
Political Make-upLean LiberalLean Conservative
Local PoliticsDemocratic MajorityRepublican Majority
ReligionMore secular/Various religious communitiesLargely 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.

ComparisonSan DiegoKnoxville
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingDifficult

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.

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