Moving from Boise to Knoxville (2026)
Knoxville has a COL index of 87 vs 105 for Boise (100 = US average). You'd pay about 17% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$288/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10587
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$1,300
per month
State tax
5.8%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,378$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Knoxville to match your Boise lifestyle
Based on the 17% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boise | Equivalent in Knoxville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,143 |
| $50K | $41,429 |
| $60K | $49,714 |
| $75K | $62,143 |
| $80K | $66,286 |
| $100K | $82,857 |
| $120K | $99,429 |
| $150K | $124,286 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boise vs Knoxville
| Expense | Boise | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $45 | $45 |
| Utilities | $145 | $168 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,156 | $2,807 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville cheaper than Boise?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 87 vs 105 for Boise (100 = US average). That's about 17% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boise to Knoxville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boise to Knoxville could save roughly $288/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,456/year.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Boise lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boise, you'd need roughly $62,143/year in Knoxville. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Knoxville to BoiseBoise vs Knoxville — full comparisonBoise 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