Moving from Manchester, NH to Knoxville, TN
The drive from Manchester, NH to Knoxville, TN runs 950 mi β about 18h 34m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
950 mi Β· 18h 34m by car Β· TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA β NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Allentown, Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New York |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 105.657 to 92.569, putting Knoxville roughly 12.4% below Manchester on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Knoxville ZHVI at $369,216 is 12.4% below Manchester at $435,334.
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Manchester | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 13Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 55.8" |
Climate warms by 10.5Β°F on the annual average β 47.4Β°F β 57.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.28 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.4% between Manchester and Knoxville (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 New Hampshire 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 950 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $77,415 in Manchester β a 34.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $435,334 in Manchester β a 15.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 950 mi and the route typically takes 18h 34m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 12.4% lower than Manchester (92.569 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH Β· Knoxville, TN.