Moving from Austin to Knoxville (2026)
Knoxville has a COL index of 87 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 29% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$523/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12287
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,300
per month
State tax
NoneNone
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Knoxville to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 29% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Knoxville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $28,525 |
| $50K | $35,656 |
| $60K | $42,787 |
| $75K | $53,484 |
| $80K | $57,049 |
| $100K | $71,311 |
| $120K | $85,574 |
| $150K | $106,967 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Knoxville
| Expense | Austin | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $50 | $45 |
| Utilities | $170 | $168 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,807 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 87 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 29% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Knoxville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Knoxville could save roughly $523/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,276/year.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $53,484/year in Knoxville. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Knoxville to AustinAustin vs Knoxville — full comparisonAustin cost of livingKnoxville cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only