Best Knoxville to Detroit Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Knoxville to Detroit and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 514 mile move from Tennessee to Michigan go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 24 Knoxville to Detroit moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Boundless Moving & Storage), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Knoxville compared to Detroit. 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 Knoxville to Detroit Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boundless Moving & Storage | 9.33 | 9.36 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Buster’s Box’s Moving | 8.98 | 9.01 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Gouffon Moving & Storage | 8.66 | 8.72 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Professional Movers.com | 8.54 | 8.07 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc | 8.47 | 8.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Knoxville to Detroit
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 514 miles from Knoxville, TN to Detroit, MI will cost on average $2,218 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Knoxville to Detroit move is roughly $5,313. 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 | $1,494 | 300 ft³ | 4.98 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,218 | 450 ft³ | 4.93 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,660 | 750 ft³ | 4.88 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,313 | 1100 ft³ | 4.83 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,647 | 1600 ft³ | 4.78 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,513 | 1800 ft³ | 4.73 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Detroit to Knoxville guide.
Compare the 5 Best Knoxville to Detroit Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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) |
Gouffon Moving & Storage
1520 Amherst Rd
Knoxville, TN, 37909
About Gouffon Moving & Storage
Family-owned and operated for more than 134 years, Gouffon Moving & Storage offers personalized residential and office moves in East Tennessee....
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving
- Office Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 553340 / 273542 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 17 |
| Registered Drivers | 13 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 385,000 (2021) |
Professional Movers.com
1001 Woodward Ave Suite 500
Detroit, MI, 48226
About Professional Movers.com
With three locations in Michigan, including one in Detroit, family-owned Professional Movers is an expert moving company specializing in statewide, cross-country,...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- International Relocation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 266582 / 178368 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 22 |
| Registered Drivers | 19 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 714,000 (2022) |
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
11850 E Jefferson
Detroit, MI, 48214
About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Corporate moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 279708 / 629575 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 28,000 (2023) |
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.
Knoxville vs. Detroit Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be a daunting task, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we’ve crafted a comparison between Knoxville, TN & Detroit, MI local neighborhoods. This guide serves to help you find a new home that feels familiar by comparing the vibes, community, and offerings of neighborhoods in both cities.
| Knoxville | Detroit | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Sequoyah Hills | Indian Village | Stately homes, historic vibe |
| Fort Sanders | Midtown | Vibrant, youthful area with cultural institutions |
| Bearden | Corktown | Trendy shops, eateries, and craft breweries |
| Farragut | Rosedale Park | Family-friendly, well-established |
| Old City | Eastern Market | Historic market district, eclectic vibe |
| West Hills | Sherwood Forest | Lush landscapes, grand homes |
| Island Home Park | Belle Isle | Parkland with natural beauty, leisure activities |
| North Knoxville | Woodbridge | Diverse, artistic, community-oriented |
| Fourth & Gill | Boston-Edison | Historic, architecturally significant homes |
| South Knoxville | Southwest Detroit | Thriving Latino community, vivid cultural expressions |
In Knoxville, Sequoyah Hills boasts tree-lined boulevards and grand riverfront estates comparable to Detroit's Indian Village, renowned for its historic homes and vibrant community events. For those drawn to the youthful energy and cultural richness of Fort Sanders, Detroit's Midtown offers a similar mix of cultural institutions, such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and Wayne State University, within a lively, walkable neighborhood. Corktown in Detroit mirrors Bearden's trendy atmosphere with an abundance of chic eateries, like Slows Bar BQ, and lively breweries, paralleling the zest of Knoxville’s dining and shopping scene. Lastly, Farragut’s family-friendly environments find a match in Rosedale Park, Detroit, celebrated for its well-maintained homes and strong community spirit, embodying the blend of suburban tranquility with urban convenience.
Things to Do in Detroit
Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts- Visit the Belle Isle Park
- Enjoy a game at Comerica Park
- Walk along the Detroit Riverfront
- Discover the Henry Ford Museum
- Experience the Motown Museum
- Try local eats at Eastern Market
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Knoxville to Detroit
Moving from one city to another brings with it a host of changes, both good and bad. This comparison is designed to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Knoxville, TN to Detroit, MI. By examining the cons related to leaving Knoxville and contrasting them with the pros of moving to Detroit, as well as vice versa, you can gain a clearer, balanced perspective on what this move entails for you.
Knoxville, TN- Smaller cultural scene
- Less job opportunities
- Lower crime rates
Detroit, MI- Richer cultural diversity
- More job opportunities
- Revitalized downtown
Detroit, MI- Urban environment
- Higher crime rates
- State income tax
Knoxville, TN- Scenic landscapes
- Friendly community
- No state income tax
While Knoxville boasts scenic landscapes allowing for plentiful outdoor activities, Detroit counters with a vibrant urban environment highlighted by venues such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and Belle Isle Park. Despite Detroit's higher crime rates, the city's downtown area has undergone significant revitalization, drawing in new businesses and cultural opportunities. Knoxville, known for its friendly community and absence of state income tax, provides a different kind of appeal. However, moving to Detroit opens up a wealth of job opportunities in sectors like automotive, technology, and healthcare. Renowned for its rich musical history and as a birthplace of Motown, Detroit offers a dynamic cultural scene, including live music at the Fox Theatre, dinners in Greektown, and games at Comerica Park, providing a stark contrast to Knoxville's quieter, more laid-back atmosphere.
Knoxville vs. Detroit Food Guide
Exploring local food is a journey into the heart of what makes an area unique. By highlighting the comparison of the local cuisine between Knoxville & Detroit , we aim to offer insights into the culinary scene you'll be embracing. Whether moving for a fresh start or new opportunities, understanding the food culture of your new home is key to settling in.
| Knoxville | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Biscuits and gravy | Coney Island hot dog |
| Most popular meat dish | BBQ ribs | Gyros |
| Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Shawarma |
| Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Falafel |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Knoxville, you'll find an affinity for hearty southern comfort foods, with biscuits and gravy being a staple breakfast. BBQ ribs showcase the city's mastery of smoked meats, often found in local favorites like Dead End BBQ. Moving to Detroit, the shift to a more diverse and urban palate is evident. The city's love for Coney Island hot dogs and a vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine brings gyros and shawarma into the spotlight, with local haunts like Bucharest Grill being a must-visit. Detroit's Greektown also offers an array of dining experiences that showcase the city's rich cultural mosaic and foodie scene.
Knoxville vs. Detroit Restaurant Comparison
Finding a sense of belonging in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This restaurant comparison between Knoxville and Detroit aims to ease your transition by guiding you towards excellent dining experiences that reflect your familiar favorites. Whether high-end, casual, or uniquely iconic, you'll find your next go-to spot in no time.
| Knoxville | Detroit | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Emilia | Marais | Elegant dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients |
| A Dopo Sourdough Pizza | Supino Pizzeria | Known for their thin crust and quality toppings |
| Knox Mason | Lady of the House | Modern American with a unique twist |
| Yassin's Falafel House | Ollie's Lebanese Cuisine | Authentic Middle Eastern flavors |
| Stock & Barrel | Mercury Burger Bar | Gourmet burgers with creative flair |
| J.C. Holdway | Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails | High-quality, locally sourced dishes |
| The French Market Crêperie | Le Petit Zinc | Charming spot for crêpes and French specialties |
| Sweet P's Barbeque and Soul House | Slows Bar BQ | Renowned for slow-cooked barbecue and comfort sides |
| Tomato Head | Ottava Via | Offers a cozy atmosphere with Italian favorites |
| Gosh Ethiopian Restaurant | The Blue Nile | Authentic Ethiopian cuisine with traditional seating |
When you move from Knoxville to Detroit, you'll discover a culinary scene that's as vibrant and diverse as what you're leaving behind. For instance, pizza aficionados who frequented A Dopo Sourdough Pizza in Knoxville will appreciate the attention to detail and quality ingredients at Supino Pizzeria in Detroit. Similarly, if you're missing the homey feel and Tennessee BBQ flavors of Sweet P's Barbeque and Soul House, Slows Bar BQ in Detroit stands ready to satisfy your cravings with their critically acclaimed slow-cooked barbecue. It's not just about finding a similar restaurant; it's about continuing to enjoy the flavors and dishes you love while making new memories in your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Knoxville vs. Detroit Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly shapes your living experience when moving. Understanding how Knoxville, TN, and Detroit, MI, compare in housing costs, styles, and lifestyle is vital. This comparison aims to equip you with essential insights, making your transition smoother.
| Comparison | Knoxville | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Art Deco, Bungalows |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain views, proximity to parks | Accessibility to downtown, historical character |
In diving deeper, the stark difference in median home prices between Knoxville and Detroit stands out. While Knoxville offers scenic mountain views and a connection with nature, highlighted with its higher cost of living, Detroit's affordability is its hallmark, combined with rich historical character and improving urban lifestyle score. Detroit's revitalization efforts have enhanced its walkability and bikeability, making it increasingly attractive for those desiring urban living. In contrast, Knoxville’s architecture, featuring Colonial and Craftsman styles, reflects its historical roots and adds a unique charm to the city. Deciding between these cities will depend on your preference for urban intensity versus a balance of city and nature.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI
1. Midtown: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Midtown is ideal for you and your pets due to its numerous parks and green spaces, along with pet-friendly cafes and grooming salons.
2. Corktown: This historic neighborhood offers a welcoming community for pet owners, featuring dog-friendly restaurants and the popular Roosevelt Park, perfect for afternoon walks.
3. Woodbridge: With its quiet, tree-lined streets and close-knit community, Woodbridge offers a peaceful environment for pets, including easy access to spacious parks and the Michigan Humane Society for your pet’s needs.
Knoxville vs. Detroit Weather Considerations
Moving to a new city is an exciting change, but it’s important to consider how the local climate might differ from what you’re used to. This comparison between Knoxville and Detroit will highlight key weather differences to help you adjust smoothly to your new environment.
Knoxville, TN
Detroit, MI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Knoxville, TN
Detroit, MI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Knoxville, TN
Detroit, MI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Knoxville, TN
Detroit, MI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Knoxville | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Storms, floods | Snowstorms, occasional tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Knoxville and Detroit experience four distinct seasons, moving to Detroit will mean adapting to colder winters with a significant increase in snowfall, averaging about 34 inches annually compared to Knoxville's 6 inches. Despite the colder climate, Detroit sees fewer sunshine days than Knoxville, which could influence your daily life and mood. Both cities have their own natural disaster risks, with Knoxville facing storms and floods, while Detroit is more prone to snowstorms and occasionally tornadoes. Understanding these climate differences will help you better prepare for the seasonal changes in your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Knoxville to Detroit
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to compare the economic environments between Knoxville, TN, and Detroit, MI to understand how your finances might be affected. This will help you gauge what changes to expect in terms of living expenses and income opportunities.
| Comparison | Knoxville | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $45,700 | $36,140 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.4 | 99.4 |
| State Income Tax | None | 4.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.74 | 2.44 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Education, Health Care | Automotive, Technology, Health Care |
| Affluence | Moderate | Lower |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Lower | Higher |
While Knoxville boasts a higher average household income and a moderate cost of living, Detroit offers a unique financial landscape, characterized by a lower cost of living index, which might make everyday expenses more manageable despite the lower income levels. The significant difference in average property tax rates between Detroit and Knoxville could notably impact homeowners, with Detroit having a noticeably higher rate. Additionally, while both cities present diverse job markets, the top industries differ, possibly affecting job opportunities based on your profession. Evaluating these economic differences is paramount for planning a successful and financially stable relocation.
Knoxville vs. Detroit Political & Religious Comparison
This quick guide provides a snapshot to help you understand the political and religious makeup of the residents in your current and future cities. This is a comparison of the politics and religion between Knoxville & Detroit , offering insights into what you might expect as you make your move.
| Knoxville | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately conservative | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Republican-dominated City Council | Democratic-dominated City Council |
| Religion | Primarily Christian, with a significant Evangelical presence. Local Churches | Religiously diverse, with strong Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities. Local Places of Worship |
When moving from Knoxville to Detroit, you'll transition from a city with a moderately conservative political atmosphere to one that is distinctly more liberal. Knoxville's local governance has historically been Republican-dominated, reflecting Tennessee's broader political climate. By contrast, Detroit has been a stronghold for the Democratic Party for decades. The religious landscape will also change significantly. Knoxville's communities tend to be predominantly Christian, with an emphasis on Evangelical denominations. Detroit, on the other hand, showcases a vibrant tapestry of faiths, including larger Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities, which reflects its status as a more culturally and religiously diverse metropolis.
Knoxville vs. Detroit Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Knoxville, TN to Detroit, MI involves adjusting to new surroundings, especially when it comes to your daily commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Knoxville & Detroit is designed to help you better understand what to expect on the roads, and how you might rely on public transport in either city.
| Comparison | Knoxville | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | More feasible |
In Knoxville, the lower traffic congestion score reflects a smoother commute, but with public transit being less developed (rated 4 out of 10), relying on a personal vehicle becomes almost a necessity. The average commute time is slightly shorter than in Detroit, illustrating the city's compact nature. On the other hand, Detroit offers a better public transit system, making it more feasible to get around without a car, despite having higher traffic congestion. This mirrors Detroit's efforts to improve city infrastructure and transportation services to accommodate its residents better. Understanding these differences can greatly aid in your adjustment to your new city, shaping your daily routines and possibly your decisions on where to live.
Additional Resources
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