Moving from Tampa to Knoxville (2026)
Knoxville has a COL index of 87 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$767/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10487
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,000$1,300
per month
State tax
NoneNone
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Knoxville to match your Tampa lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tampa | Equivalent in Knoxville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,462 |
| $50K | $41,827 |
| $60K | $50,192 |
| $75K | $62,740 |
| $80K | $66,923 |
| $100K | $83,654 |
| $120K | $100,385 |
| $150K | $125,481 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tampa vs Knoxville
| Expense | Tampa | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $376 | $361 |
| Transport | $65 | $45 |
| Utilities | $195 | $168 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,040 | $2,807 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville cheaper than Tampa?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 87 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tampa to Knoxville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tampa to Knoxville could save roughly $767/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,204/year.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Tampa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tampa, you'd need roughly $62,740/year in Knoxville. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Knoxville to TampaTampa vs Knoxville — full comparisonTampa 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