Moving from Charlotte, NC to Knoxville, TN
Relocating between Charlotte, NC and Knoxville, TN is a 232 mi drive — 4h 45m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
232 mi · 4h 45m by car · NC → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | NC → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 74, US 64 TRUCK, I 26 |
| Major cities en route | Concord |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Charlotte | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.348 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.164 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.58 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.635 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 97.348 vs 92.569 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 4.9% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Charlotte -1.3%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Charlotte | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.5" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 55.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Charlotte (61.4°F) and Knoxville (57.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AP, NC US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Charlotte | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 886,283 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $78,438 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 34.4 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.4% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.45 | 2.28 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.9% — $78,438 → $50,994 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 North Carolina 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 — 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 much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Charlotte?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $397,125 in Charlotte — a 7.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Charlotte?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 4.9% lower than Charlotte (92.569 vs 97.348, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 232 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Charlotte vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $78,438 in Charlotte — a 35.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Charlotte, NC?
The driving distance is 232 mi and the route typically takes 4h 45m via US 74 and US 64 TRUCK. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Charlotte?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $47,830 in the Charlotte MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 1,311,360 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Charlotte.
City profiles: Charlotte, NC · Knoxville, TN.