Moving from Nashville to Knoxville (2026)
Knoxville has a COL index of 87 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). You'd pay about 22% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Knoxville to match your Nashville lifestyle
Based on the 22% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Nashville | Equivalent in Knoxville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,071 |
| $50K | $38,839 |
| $60K | $46,607 |
| $75K | $58,259 |
| $80K | $62,143 |
| $100K | $77,679 |
| $120K | $93,214 |
| $150K | $116,518 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Nashville vs Knoxville
| Expense | Nashville | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $365 | $361 |
| Transport | $70 | $45 |
| Utilities | $170 | $168 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,276 | $2,807 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $531 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Nashville — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville cheaper than Nashville?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 87 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). That's about 22% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Nashville to Knoxville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Nashville to Knoxville saves roughly $500/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,000/year.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Nashville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Nashville, you'd need roughly $58,259/year in Knoxville. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only