Moving from Kansas City, MO to Knoxville, TN
Relocating 732 mi from Kansas City to Knoxville is a 13h 39m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
732 mi Β· 13h 39m by car Β· MO β IL β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.543 vs 92.569 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $250,208 to $369,216 moving to Knoxville.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 55.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Kansas City (56.9Β°F) and Knoxville (57.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.28 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.0% β $67,449 β $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 Missouri 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 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 household income compare in Kansas City vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $67,449 in Kansas City β a 24.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $250,208 in Kansas City β a 47.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 732 mi and the route typically takes 13h 39m via I 24 and I 70. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 732 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 1,078,310 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO Β· Knoxville, TN.