Best Knoxville to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Knoxville to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 339 mile move from Tennessee to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 30 Knoxville to Durham 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 Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Knoxville compared to Durham. 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 Knoxville to Durham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Boundless Moving & Storage9.339.36Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Buster’s Box’s Moving8.989.01Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Gouffon Moving & Storage8.668.72Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Knoxville to Durham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 339 miles from Knoxville, TN to Durham, NC will cost on average $2,070 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Knoxville to Durham move is roughly $4,949. 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$1,395300 ft³4.65
1 Bedroom$2,070450 ft³4.60
2 Bedrooms$3,412750 ft³4.55
3 Bedrooms$4,9491100 ft³4.50
4 Bedrooms$7,1181600 ft³4.45
5+ Bedrooms$7,9181800 ft³4.40
*Please note: These Tennessee to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Tennessee & North Carolina. 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 TN to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Knoxville guide.

Compare the 5 Best Knoxville to Durham Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
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
Gouffon Moving & Storage Logo

Gouffon Moving & Storage

Fabulous8.66/10
based on 1,067+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

553340 / 273542

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans17
Registered Drivers13
Total Annual Miles Moved385,000 (2021)
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.

Knoxville vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Preparing to move can be exciting yet daunting, especially when navigating unfamiliar cities. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison aimed at helping you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by drawing parallels to what you know—your current hometown. This is a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Knoxville, TN & Durham, NC, offering a glimpse into the unique flavors and characters of each, and finding you a new home that echoes the comfort of the old.

KnoxvilleDurhamHow They're Similar
Sequoyah HillsTrinity ParkHistoric homes, community vibe
BeardenWatts-HillandaleArtsy, local eateries
Fort SandersOld West DurhamNear universities, vibrant
Island Home ParkForest HillsLeafy streets, park access
Fourth & GillCleveland-HollowayHistoric, tight-knit community
Downtown KnoxvilleDowntown DurhamBustling, arts and culture
WestmorelandHope ValleyQuiet, family-friendly
Old CityBrightleafUnique shops, nightlife
South KnoxvilleSouthpointShopping, dining options
Lindbergh ForestRockwoodBiking trails, natural beauty

In comparing Knoxville's Sequoyah Hills with Durham's Trinity Park, both neighborhoods boast historic homes and a strong sense of community, yet Trinity Park often hosts arts and music festivals in its parks, such as the annual Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo. Bearden's local eateries and artisan scene find a match in Watts-Hillandale's laid-back atmosphere, punctuated by spots like Monuts Donuts for a neighborhood treat. Meanwhile, Fort Sanders and Old West Durham share a youthful vibrancy fueled by nearby universities, with the latter situated close to both Duke University and NCCU. Moreover, South Knoxville's greenways and outdoor activities align with Southpoint's blend of retail and nature, where destinations like The Streets at Southpoint meet natural trails, offering both shopping and outdoor adventures. This pairing of neighborhoods offers a starting point for discovering the unique character and community of your new Durham neighborhood.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Knoxville to Durham

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the bad against the good. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection on relocating from Knoxville, TN to Durham, NC, showcasing how the challenges compare to the benefits and vice versa. It's designed to help you make an informed decision by considering all aspects of this transition.

CONs
PROs
Knoxville, TN iconKnoxville, TN
  • Smaller Tech Hub
  • Less Diverse Cuisine
  • Lower Job Growth
  • Less Cultural Events
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Larger Tech Industry
  • Greater Food Variety
  • Higher Job Opportunities
  • More Cultural Activities
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher Living Costs
  • Fewer Green Areas
  • Less Familiar Faces
  • Heavier Traffic
Knoxville, TN iconKnoxville, TN
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • More Outdoor Spaces
  • Friendly Community
  • Easier Traffic

While Knoxville boasts a lower cost of living, and abundant outdoor spaces like the Ijams Nature Center, moving to Durham opens up a wealth of opportunities, especially in terms of job growth in the tech industry and a richer cultural scene. Durham is home to the renowned Durham Performing Arts Center and the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, offering vibrant cultural experiences. Although you might miss Knoxville's more familiar faces and ease of traffic, Durham's diverse culinary scene, featured in areas like the American Tobacco Historic District, and burgeoning job market present an exciting new chapter. Despite the higher cost of living, Durham's community resources, such as the Eno River State Park, provide ample opportunities for leisure and exploration in your new home.

Knoxville vs. Durham Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Knoxville & Durham - a vital aspect of any city's culture and lifestyle. Understanding the culinary landscape can significantly enrich your experience when moving from one place to another.

KnoxvilleDurham
Most iconic local food itemBiscuits and GravyCarolina BBQ
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork SandwichFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemGourmet Hot DogsFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan Soul FoodVegan BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Restaurant 1
  • Restaurant 2
  • Restaurant 3
  • Restaurant A
  • Restaurant B
  • Restaurant C
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from Knoxville to Durham, you're transitioning from the heartland of traditional Southern comfort food into a vibrant foodie paradise renowned for its innovative take on Southern cuisine. Durham's food scene shines in places like the bustling Ninth Street where you can find Restaurant A and Restaurant B, both known for reinventing classic dishes with a modern twist. The city's commitment to diversity is evident in its food truck scene, offering everything from gourmet tacos to vegan BBQ - a testimony to Durham's inclusive and evolving culinary landscape. Moreover, these neighborhoods reflect a community that values health consciousness and vegan options more highly, creating an inviting atmosphere for food enthusiasts of all kinds.

Knoxville vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering places that remind you of home, especially when it comes to food. This restaurant comparison will help guide your transition from Knoxville, TN, to Durham, NC, ensuring you can quickly find new favorite spots that echo the culinary experiences you cherished back in Tennessee.

KnoxvilleDurhamWhat You'll Love
EmiliaMateo Bar de TapasBoth offer exquisite European dishes in a cozy, inviting atmosphere
Stock & BarrelBull City Burger and BreweryBoth are known for their outstanding burgers and local brews
A Dopo Sourdough PizzaPizzeria ToroBoth specialize in wood-fired pizzas with a focus on fresh, gourmet ingredients
Knox MasonThe Saltbox Seafood JointWhile the cuisines differ, both emphasize locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
Yassin's Falafel HouseMediterranean Grill and GroceryBoth provide authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a casual setting
Oliver RoyaleParizadeBoth offer a fine dining experience with a sophisticated menu and elegant ambiance
Sweet P's Barbecue and Soul HouseBackyard BBQ PitBoth are celebrated for their authentic BBQ and homely, soulful sides
The French Market CreperieCrepe TraditionsBoth specialize in French crepes with a variety of fillings, from sweet to savory
J.C. HoldwayMother & Sons TrattoriaBoth focus on high-quality ingredients and a modern approach to traditional dishes
Gosh EthiopianGoorshaBoth promise an authentic Ethiopian dining experience with traditional, flavorful dishes

Whether you're in the mood for the comforting flavors of authentic Italian at Pizzeria Toro that mirrors Knoxville's A Dopo Sourdough Pizza, or if you're craving the smoky taste of traditional BBQ found at Sweet P's Barbecue and Soul House, rest assured Durham's Backyard BBQ Pit can offer that familiar satisfaction. Each restaurant listed provides a unique dining experience that emphasizes local flavors and ingredients, making your transition from Knoxville to Durham smoother and much more delicious. So when the yearning for a taste of home kicks in, these Durham eateries stand ready to welcome you with open arms and tantalizing menus that reflect the diverse and rich culinary landscape of your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

Knoxville vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a crucial role in your relocation process. This guide aims to compare essential housing aspects between Knoxville, TN, and Durham, NC, focusing on cost, statistics, architecture, walkability, and more, facilitating a well-informed decision for your move.

ComparisonKnoxvilleDurham
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian & CraftsmanColonial Revival & Contemporary
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, Open floor plansEnergy efficiency, Granite countertops

When comparing Knoxville and Durham, several aspects stand out. Knoxville, with its Victorian and Craftsman-style homes, offers a slightly less expensive real estate market than Durham, which tends towards Colonial Revival and Contemporary architectures. Durham scores higher in terms of urban lifestyle, reflecting its dynamic community and broader availability of amenities. Furthermore, the emphasis on energy efficiency and modern features such as granite countertops in Durham's real estate listings points to a city that values sustainability alongside style. Whether attracted to Knoxville's open floor plans and historical charm or Durham's contemporary amenities and urban feel, these insights can help you tailor your housing search to your preferences and lifestyle needs.

Knoxville vs. Durham Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another requires an understanding of many differences, especially the weather you will encounter. Comparing the weather between Knoxville, TN and Durham, NC is essential in preparing for your relocation. By examining various weather aspects, you'll have a clearer picture of what to expect throughout the year.

Summer icon
88/67

Knoxville, TN

89/68

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47/28

Knoxville, TN

50/30

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50

Knoxville, TN

46

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6

Knoxville, TN

4

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonKnoxvilleDurham
Air QualityGenerally GoodGenerally Good
Natural DisastersThunderstorms, TornadoesThunderstorms, Hurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Knoxville and Durham share similar summer temperatures, Durham enjoys slightly milder winters with more days of sunshine per year, which could be more appealing for outdoor activities. Both cities have good air quality and share common seasonal allergies, primarily due to tree and grass pollen. It's also notable that while both cities may experience thunderstorms, Durham's proximity to the coast makes it more susceptible to hurricanes. Considering these differences and similarities might influence not just your day-to-day living but also your home maintenance and insurance needs in Durham.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Knoxville to Durham

When planning a move from Knoxville, TN to Durham, NC, it's crucial to grasp how money and finance differences will impact your budget. This comparison charts the fiscal landscape between Knoxville and Durham, focusing on various economic aspects to help you anticipate changes in your cost of living and financial wellbeing.

ComparisonKnoxvilleDurham
Avg. Household Income$45,700$71,343
Cost of Living Index89.496.6
State Income Tax1% (Hall Tax, only on interest and dividends)5.25% (flat rate)
Avg. Property Tax0.74%0.84%
Avg. Sales Tax9.5%7.5%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Service Industry, EducationEducation, Health Services, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableModerate
HomelessnessExistingLower

When you move from Knoxville, TN to Durham, NC, you'll notice several financial changes. Durham enjoys a higher average household income, which correlates with its slightly higher cost of living and state income tax rate. This can be seen as reflecting Durham's stronger emphasis on high-paying industries such as technology and health services. On the flip side, while Knoxville’s sales tax is considerably higher, its property tax is marginally lower, offering a slight reprieve for homeowners. The economic environment in Durham supports a higher level of affluence with a lower rate of homelessness, concepts that are important to consider as they contribute to the overall lifestyle and opportunities in the area.

Knoxville vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

Whether you’re considering the move for work, family, or a change of scenery, understanding the community you’re about to join is crucial. This quick overview offers a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents comparing Knoxville, TN to Durham, NC , providing insight into what you might expect in your new home.

KnoxvilleDurham
Political Make-upModerately ConservativeLiberal/Progressive
Local PoliticsKnown for a balanced mix, with a lean towards Republican candidates in elections.Strongly supports Democratic candidates in local and national elections.
ReligionChristianity dominant, with a significant presence of Baptist and Methodist communities. Local ChurchesDiverse religious landscape, Christianity is major but with a growing number of non-Christian faith communities. Durham Religious Centers

Knoxville's moderately conservative stance contrasts with Durham's more liberal and progressive community, particularly in local and national politics. While both cities have a Christian majority, Durham displays a broader religious diversity, reflecting its wider range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This diversity in Durham is also evident in its political landscape, where Democratic candidates often receive strong support, a distinct difference from Knoxville's more balanced political leanings. This comparative insight could help you adjust more smoothly to your new environment, acknowledging the varying perspectives you’ll encounter.

Knoxville vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

If you're contemplating a move from Knoxville, TN, to Durham, NC, understanding the nuances between their traffic and transportation options can significantly ease your transition. This comparison will highlight what you can expect in terms of your daily commute and navigating each city, helping you better plan your daily routines and travels.

ComparisonKnoxvilleDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2022
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingPossible

In terms of navigating daily commutes, both Knoxville and Durham present their unique challenges and conveniences. Knoxville's average commute time is slightly shorter, but the city scores lower regarding public transit options, making it harder for residents without cars. On the other hand, Durham offers a bit more flexibility with a higher public transit score, indicating that getting around without a car is more feasible, especially if you live and work within the city's more densely populated areas. Additionally, Durham experiences slightly less traffic congestion, which might make for a slightly smoother commute during peak hours.

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