Moving from New Orleans, LA to Knoxville, TN
A move from New Orleans, LA to Knoxville, TN covers 588 mi and around 10h 48m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
588 mi Β· 10h 48m by car Β· LA β MS β AL β GA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS β AL β GA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 75, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Chattanooga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Knoxville and New Orleans are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.597 vs 92.569); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Knoxville typical home at $369,216 is 0.0% above New Orleans at $242,493 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 55.8" |
Knoxville is 13.0Β°F cooler on the annual average (70.9Β°F vs 57.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.28 |
Median household income in Knoxville is 0.0% below New Orleans ($55,339 β $50,994, 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 Louisiana 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 New Orleans to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 588 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 New Orleans vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 7.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Knoxville, TN from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 588 mi and the route typically takes 10h 48m via I 59 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 52.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Knoxville, TN.