How Much Does it Cost to Live in Knoxville, TN?

If you're thinking about moving to Knoxville, it's important to consider how much you'll need to budget for living expenses like utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and housing. We've created this guide to give you a sense of how much it costs to live in Knoxville!

Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Knoxville?

The overall cost of living in Knoxville is 13.7% lower than the national average—making it one of the most affordable cities to live in the U.S.! The most budget-friendly cost categories in Knoxville are housing, healthcare, and utilities. See the table below to learn how each major cost category compares to the national average.

Cost of Housing in Knoxville

Wondering whether you should rent a home or buy real estate in Knoxville? The average home price in Knoxville is around 22.5% lower than the national average, and rent is around 26.7% less expensive, making either option generally affordable. Here are the cost averages for each.

Cost of Utilities in Knoxville (Monthly)

Utilities are a major factor in the overall cost of living in any given city. The average cost of utilities in Knoxville is 15% lower than the U.S. average, and total energy costs are around 23.8% lower. Phone bills in Knoxville, on the other hand, are comparable to the U.S. average.

Cost of Groceries in Knoxville

The overall cost of groceries in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, making grocery items relatively affordable. Monthly grocery costs in Knoxville are typically around $400. Check out the table below to learn more about the average cost of specific foods in Knoxville compared to U.S. averages.

Cost of Healthcare in Knoxville

The cost of healthcare in Knoxville is 17% lower overall than the nation's average—and it's generally less expensive to visit the doctor, dentist, or optometrist. Notably, the cost of prescription medications in Knoxville is about 19% cheaper than the U.S. average. Learn more about Knoxville's healthcare costs below.

Cost of Transportation in Knoxville

Factors like gas and vehicle maintenance fees impact transportation costs. For example, compared to the national average, the cost of gas in Knoxville is 10% lower than the national average—and overall transportation costs are 11.5% lower. Below are some key vehicle service costs in Knoxville.

Cost of Goods & Services in Knoxville

Only a small number of goods and services in Knoxville trend above the national average—such as the price of movie tickets or wine. The overall cost for goods and services is 11.5% less than U.S. averages, and most amenities are either comparable or cheaper. Check out the table below for examples of these cost breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it expensive to live in Knoxville?

No, Knoxville is not an expensive city to live in—in fact, it's considered one of the best mid-sized cities in the U.S., partially for its affordability! Housing, utilities, and healthcare costs are especially budget-friendly compared to the nation's averages, but Knoxville residents will also see moderate cost savings in categories like transportation and goods and services.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Knoxville?

A comfortable living wage in Knoxville depends on your household size and lifestyle. A single adult with no children can live comfortably on an annual salary of about $46,500, while a single parent or families with kids may need to aim for $75,000 or more. Reducing expenses or finding lower-than-average housing costs in a safe, affordable Knoxville neighborhood can potentially make lower incomes manageable.

How much are the average monthly expenses in Knoxville?

A single adult in Knoxville can expect to spend around $1,000 to $1,300 per month, excluding rent. However, your actual expenses may vary depending on your lifestyle, habits, and where you live in the city. If you're looking to keep costs down, consider exploring more affordable areas of Knoxville or cutting back on non-essential expenses—like dining out and entertainment.

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