Moving from Atlanta, GA to Knoxville, TN
It is a 200 mi drive, roughly 3h 59m, between Atlanta, GA and Knoxville, TN. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
200 mi Β· 3h 59m by car Β· GA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, TN 60, GA 71 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.5% cheaper overall in Knoxville than Atlanta on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Atlanta to Knoxville β $385,599 vs $369,216 (2026-03).
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 55.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 34 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.28 |
Knoxville households earn about 7.5% less than Atlanta at the median β $81,938 β $50,994 on ACS 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 Georgia 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-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 does the job market in Knoxville compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 4.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 37.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 7.5% lower than Atlanta (92.569 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 200 mi and the route typically takes 3h 59m via I 75 and TN 60. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 200 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Knoxville, TN.