Moving from Providence, RI to Knoxville, TN
A move from Providence, RI to Knoxville, TN covers 887 mi and around 17h 9m of driving through 9 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.
887 mi Β· 17h 9m by car Β· TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β RI
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β RI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Allentown, Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, New York |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Knoxville are 9.0% below Providence β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 9.0% lower in Knoxville than Providence as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Providence | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 55.8" |
Knoxville runs 5.8Β°F warmer on the annual average (52.1Β°F vs 57.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.28 |
Median household income in Knoxville is 9.0% below Providence ($66,772 vs $50,994, ACS 5-year 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 Rhode Island 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.
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 much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $426,007 in Providence β a 13.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $66,772 in Providence β a 23.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 9.0% lower than Providence (92.569 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 887 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 887 mi and the route typically takes 17h 9m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI Β· Knoxville, TN.