Moving from Sacramento to Knoxville (2026)
Knoxville has a COL index of 87 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). You'd pay about 31% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Knoxville to match your Sacramento lifestyle
Based on the 31% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Sacramento | Equivalent in Knoxville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,402 |
| $50K | $34,252 |
| $60K | $41,102 |
| $75K | $51,378 |
| $80K | $54,803 |
| $100K | $68,504 |
| $120K | $82,205 |
| $150K | $102,756 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Sacramento vs Knoxville
| Expense | Sacramento | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $403 | $361 |
| Transport | $100 | $45 |
| Utilities | $150 | $168 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,441 | $2,807 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville cheaper than Sacramento?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 87 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). That's about 31% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Sacramento to Knoxville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Sacramento to Knoxville could save roughly $784/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,408/year.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Sacramento lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Sacramento, you'd need roughly $51,378/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