Moving from Round Rock, TX to Knoxville, TN
A move from Round Rock, TX to Knoxville, TN covers 1019 mi and around 18h 4m of driving through 3 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.
1019 mi · 18h 4m by car · TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Memphis, Little Rock, Garland, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Knoxville are 5.6% below Round Rock — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 5.6% lower in Knoxville than Round Rock as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.28 |
Median household income in Knoxville is 5.6% below Round Rock ($97,187 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 Texas 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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 far is Knoxville, TN from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 1019 mi and the route typically takes 18h 4m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Round Rock to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1019 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 47.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 5.6% lower than Round Rock (92.569 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 9.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Knoxville, TN.