Moving from Boulder to Knoxville (2026)
Knoxville has a COL index of 87 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 34% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Knoxville to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 34% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Knoxville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,364 |
| $50K | $32,955 |
| $60K | $39,545 |
| $75K | $49,432 |
| $80K | $52,727 |
| $100K | $65,909 |
| $120K | $79,091 |
| $150K | $98,864 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Knoxville
| Expense | Boulder | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $414 | $361 |
| Transport | $80 | $45 |
| Utilities | $138 | $168 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,807 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 87 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 34% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Knoxville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Knoxville could save roughly $1,066/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,792/year.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $49,432/year in Knoxville. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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