Can I Afford to Live in Knoxville vs Lexington on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/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 | Lexington KY |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $5,057 | $4,790 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,350 |
| Groceries (est.) | $361 | $365 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $60 |
| Utilities | $168 | $158 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $3,123/month | $2,797/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Knoxville?
At $80K/year in Knoxville, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $1,300/month, rent takes up 26% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $80K a good salary in Lexington?
At $80K/year in Lexington, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,790. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 28% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Knoxville leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,123/month vs $2,797/month in Lexington.
Can I afford to live alone in Knoxville on $80K?
Yes. At $80K in Knoxville, rent takes 26% of your take-home, leaving $3,123/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
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