Cost of Living in Knoxville, TN
Population 193,721 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Knoxville's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $50,994 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Around 20% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Knoxville
The median home value in Knoxville is $214,000 — 30% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,116/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,994/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 70.0°F and lows of 49.1°F, with about 4.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Knoxville has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 53 | 61 | 71 | 79 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 83 | 72 | 60 | 51 |
| Low °F | 30 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 57 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 38 | 33 |
| Precip" | 4.76 | 4.81 | 4.89 | 4.71 | 4.13 | 4.24 | 5.25 | 3.63 | 3.49 | 2.81 | 4.21 | 5.00 |
| Snow" | 1.7 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Knoxville, TN?
The median gross rent in Knoxville is $1,116 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Knoxville?
The median home value in Knoxville is $214,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Knoxville?
The median household income in Knoxville is $50,994 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Knoxville, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Knoxville is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Knoxville, TN affordable?
Yes, Knoxville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Knoxville?
Knoxville has average high temperatures of 70.0°F and average lows of 49.1°F. Annual precipitation is 51.9". Average annual snowfall is 4.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Knoxville at a Glance
- Population
- 193,721
- Median Income
- $50,994
- Home Value
- $214,000
- Median Rent
- $1,116/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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