Moving from Knoxville, TN to Toledo, OH
Moving from Knoxville, TN to Toledo, OH covers 453 mi and about 8h 27m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
453 mi Β· 8h 27m by car Β· OH β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, SR 4, I 275 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Toledo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 91.455 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 96.285 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 67.317 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Knoxville (92.569) and Toledo (91.455) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Toledo: 1.2% below Knoxville on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Toledo +5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 32.4" |
Toledo is 6.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (57.9Β°F vs 51.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 268,461 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $47,532 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.27 |
Median household income in Toledo is 1.2% below Knoxville ($50,994 β $47,532, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Toledo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,160 | $39,900 |
| Production Occupations | 31,420 | $45,220 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,850 | $41,570 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,870 | $28,590 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,710 | $32,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
Is Toledo more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Toledo is 1.2% lower than Knoxville (91.455 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Toledo, OH from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 453 mi and the route typically takes 8h 27m via I 75 and SR 4. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Toledo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $47,532 in Toledo vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 6.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Toledo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 453 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Toledo compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $129,627 in Toledo vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 64.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Toledo compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,740 in the Toledo MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 290,070 and 413,540 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 Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Toledo, OH.