Is Knoxville expensive to live in?

Knoxville is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 104 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 4% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,708, and the median household income is $50,994.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Knoxville?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $68,320/year to afford median rent in Knoxville. The median household income is $50,994, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 40%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Knoxville?

The median rent in Knoxville is $1,708 per month. Housing costs score 110 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 10% more expensive than the US average.

How does Knoxville compare to the national average cost of living?

Knoxville's overall cost index is 104 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (110), food & groceries (102), transportation (99), utilities (96), and healthcare (107). Knoxville is above average in most categories.

Is Knoxville, Tennessee a good place to live?

Knoxville has a population of 198,162 and a median household income of $50,994. With a cost index of 104, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 40%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near Knoxville?

To find the most affordable cities near Knoxville in Tennessee, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Tennessee state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Knoxville

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 104

Median rent: $1,708

Median income: $50,994

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About Knoxville

Living in Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee is a growing city with a population of approximately 198,162. The overall cost of living index sits at 104, which is near the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 4% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Knoxville. Median rent is $1,708 per month, while the median home price is $363,688. At a median household income of $50,994, rent consumes roughly 40% of gross income, which places a heavy burden on household budgets. The housing sub-index of 110 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Knoxville with a sub-index of 107, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 96. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Tennessee applies a 0.00% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.56% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 9.55%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Knoxville has trended upward. Among the 6 tracked cities in Tennessee, Knoxville ranks #4 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Knoxville actually costs.

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