Moving from Chicago to Knoxville (2026)
Knoxville has a COL index of 87 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Knoxville to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Knoxville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,523 |
| $50K | $40,654 |
| $60K | $48,785 |
| $75K | $60,981 |
| $80K | $65,047 |
| $100K | $81,308 |
| $120K | $97,570 |
| $150K | $121,963 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs Knoxville
| Expense | Chicago | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $388 | $361 |
| Transport | $105 | $45 |
| Utilities | $165 | $168 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $2,807 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 87 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to Knoxville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Chicago to Knoxville could save roughly $689/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,268/year.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $60,981/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