Moving from Durham to Knoxville (2026)
Knoxville has a COL index of 87 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 15% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$487/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10287
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,300
per month
State tax
4.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Knoxville to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 15% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Knoxville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,118 |
| $50K | $42,647 |
| $60K | $51,176 |
| $75K | $63,971 |
| $80K | $68,235 |
| $100K | $85,294 |
| $120K | $102,353 |
| $150K | $127,941 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Knoxville
| Expense | Durham | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $82 | $45 |
| Utilities | $155 | $168 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,807 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 87 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 15% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Knoxville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Knoxville could save roughly $487/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,844/year.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $63,971/year in Knoxville. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Knoxville to DurhamDurham vs Knoxville — full comparisonDurham 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