Moving from Springfield, MA to Knoxville, TN
Relocating 849 mi from Springfield to Knoxville is a 16h 26m drive through 9 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
849 mi Β· 16h 26m by car Β· TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Allentown, Elizabeth, New York, Newark, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 55.8" |
Expect 8.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.28 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Massachusetts 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 Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 25.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 849 mi and the route typically takes 16h 26m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 0.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 849 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 3.6% lower than Springfield (92.569 vs 96.061, 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Knoxville, TN.