Can I Afford to Live in Phoenix vs Knoxville 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.

Phoenix, AZ
$4,890/mo take-home
Rent: $1,500/mo (31% of take-home)
Manageable
Knoxville, TN
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $1,300/mo (26% of take-home)
Comfortable
Share on X

Monthly budget breakdown

Phoenix
AZ
Knoxville
TN
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,890
$5,057Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,500
$1,300Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$369
$361Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$64
$45Best ✓
Utilities
$210
$168Best ✓
Internet
$60Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$2,687/month
$3,123/month
Knoxville (Tennessee) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Phoenix (AZ rate: 2.5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Phoenix?

At $80K/year in Phoenix, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,890. With 1BR rent around $1,500/month, rent takes up 31% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

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.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Knoxville leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,123/month vs $2,687/month in Phoenix.

Can I afford to live alone in Phoenix on $80K?

Yes. At $80K in Phoenix, rent takes 31% of your take-home, leaving $2,687/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Phoenix vs Knoxville

$40K$50K$60K$75K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

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