Moving from Madison to Knoxville (2026)
Knoxville has a COL index of 87 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Knoxville to match your Madison lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Madison | Equivalent in Knoxville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,876 |
| $50K | $44,845 |
| $60K | $53,814 |
| $75K | $67,268 |
| $80K | $71,753 |
| $100K | $89,691 |
| $120K | $107,629 |
| $150K | $134,536 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Madison vs Knoxville
| Expense | Madison | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $384 | $361 |
| Transport | $62 | $45 |
| Utilities | $162 | $168 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,938 | $2,807 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville cheaper than Madison?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 87 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Madison to Knoxville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Madison to Knoxville could save roughly $387/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,644/year.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Madison lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madison, you'd need roughly $67,268/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