Moving from St. Petersburg, FL to Knoxville, TN
Relocating 680 mi from St. Petersburg to Knoxville is a 12h 42m drive through 3 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.
680 mi Β· 12h 42m by car Β· FL β GA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 275, TN 60 |
| Major cities en route | Clearwater, Tampa, Lakeland, Gainesville, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Petersburg | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 8.2% moving from St. Petersburg to Knoxville β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Petersburg β, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Petersburg | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 54Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 52.5" | 55.8" |
Annual average temperature drops 16.6Β°F β 74.5Β°F in St. Petersburg vs 57.9Β°F in Knoxville, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG, FL US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Petersburg | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 260,646 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $73,118 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 43.1 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.28 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.2% β $73,118 β $50,994 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Florida 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 (16.6Β°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 St. Petersburg to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 680 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 St. Petersburg, FL?
The driving distance is 680 mi and the route typically takes 12h 42m via I 75 and I 275. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Knoxville more expensive than St. Petersburg?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 8.2% lower than St. Petersburg (92.569 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in St. Petersburg vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $73,118 in St. Petersburg β a 30.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to St. Petersburg?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $46,420 in the St. Petersburg MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 1,412,840 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 St. Petersburg.
City profiles: St. Petersburg, FL Β· Knoxville, TN.