What is the cost of living in Knoxville?

The cost of living in Knoxville is 46.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 53.7). Groceries are 30.0% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 28.6% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,789 per month. Local purchasing power index is 129.9 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 TN, United States · #107 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Knoxville?

Q: Should I move to Knoxville?

Knoxville, TN, United States has a cost of living 46.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 53.7). It is ranked #107 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 129.9 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

46.3% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-46.3%

vs NYC

USD 1,789

1-BR, city centre

129.9

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from March – October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Knoxville?

Cost breakdown: Knoxville

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

53.7 Expensive

Rent

37.3 Affordable

Groceries

70.0 Moderate

Restaurants

71.4 Moderate

Purchasing Power

129.9 Very strong

Rent in Knoxville

1-BR, city centre USD 1,789/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,268/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,916/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,153/mo

Save by going outside centre 29% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Memphis

TN, United States

CoL index 50.9

Compare Memphis vs Knoxville →

🇺🇸 Nashville

TN, United States

CoL index 59.3

Compare Nashville vs Knoxville →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Knoxville after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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