Nashville vs Knoxville for Singles (2026)
Scroll down for rent burden, savings estimate, and FAQ.
Single-person cost breakdown
| Metric | Nashville Tennessee | Knoxville Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,500 | $1,050Better |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,800 | $1,300Better |
| Est. single-person income | $39KBetter | $32K |
| Est. monthly take-home | $3,250Better | $2,650 |
| Studio rent burden | 46% | 40%Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 96 | 95Better |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Walk score | 29 / 100Better | 26 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 112 | 87Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Renters insurance
Knoxville saves ~$450/mo on rent
Solo renters often skip insurance — but your electronics, furniture, and belongings add up fast.
Monthly savings
Nashville: ~$1,102/mo left after rent & living
Start investing that surplus early — even small amounts compound significantly over a career.
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Knoxville
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Knoxville homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is more affordable for a single person — Nashville or Knoxville?
For a single person, Knoxville comes out ahead on overall affordability. Studio rents are $1,500 in Nashville vs $1,050 in Knoxville. A single earner in Nashville spends about 46% of take-home on studio rent. Knoxville is ~22% cheaper overall, which matters significantly on a single income.
What is the rent burden for a single person in Nashville vs Knoxville?
Rent burden is the percentage of take-home pay spent on housing. Financial planners recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. In Nashville, a single earner spending $1,500/month on a studio carries a 46% rent burden — significantly above the recommended 30%. In Knoxville, the rent burden is 40% — significantly above the recommended 30%.
How much can a single person save each month in Nashville vs Knoxville?
After rent and basic living expenses (groceries, utilities, transport), a single earner can save approximately $1,102/month in Nashville vs $1,052/month in Knoxville. These estimates are based on a single-person income of ~60% of median household income and studio rent costs.
Is it worth living alone in Nashville vs getting a roommate in Knoxville?
Splitting a 1BR in Knoxville ($1,300/person) vs a solo studio in Nashville ($1,500): splitting a 1BR in Knoxville ($650/person) is cheaper than a solo studio in Nashville ($1,500). Factor in the privacy premium and your living preferences when deciding.
Which city is better for a single person's social life?
Walkability is a proxy for urban density and access to dining, entertainment, and social spaces without a car. Nashville scores higher (29/100) — car-dependent, which may limit spontaneous social activity. For singles, a walkable neighborhood can significantly reduce the cost and friction of having an active social life.
Single-person income estimated at 60% of median household income. Take-home calculated using state income tax rate only. Savings estimate subtracts rent and estimated basic living costs. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026