Moving from South Fulton, GA to Knoxville, TN
The 213 mi from South Fulton to Knoxville translate to about 4h 16m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
213 mi Β· 4h 16m by car Β· TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 40, TN 60 |
| Major cities en route | Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| South Fulton | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Knoxville are 7.5% below South Fulton 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
YoY change: South Fulton β, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | South Fulton | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 55.8" |
Climate cools by 5.7Β°F on the annual average β 63.6Β°F β 57.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Fulton | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,157 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $81,798 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.28 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.5% between South Fulton 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 Georgia 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.
- 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 South Fulton, GA?
The driving distance is 213 mi and the route typically takes 4h 16m via I 75 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from South Fulton to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 213 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Knoxville more expensive than South Fulton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 7.5% lower than South Fulton (92.569 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in South Fulton vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $81,798 in South Fulton β a 37.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to South Fulton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $48,370 in the South Fulton MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 2,817,660 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 South Fulton.
City profiles: South Fulton, GA Β· Knoxville, TN.