Can I Afford to Live in Knoxville vs Austin on $50K?
Here's how a $50K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Knoxville TN | Austin TX |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $3,160 | $3,160 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,800 |
| Groceries (est.) | $361 | $372 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $50 |
| Utilities | $168 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,226/month | $703/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $50K a good salary in Knoxville?
At $50K/year in Knoxville, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,160. With 1BR rent around $1,300/month, rent takes up 41% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $50K a good salary in Austin?
At $50K/year in Austin, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,160. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 57% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $50K salary?
Knoxville leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,226/month vs $703/month in Austin.
Can I afford to live alone in Knoxville on $50K?
It's tight. Rent in Knoxville would take 41% of your $50K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only