Knoxville, TN

Very Low · 74

Tennessee · Population 193,721 · Updated March 2026

$1,116
Median Rent / Month
$50,994
Median Income
$214,000
Median Home Value
$1,075
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Knoxville

26.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Tennessee

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.0%
Sales Tax
0.64%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$13,392
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$1,370
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Knoxville is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 74 (where 100 equals the national median), Knoxville residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,116/month while earning a median household income of $50,994/year.

The median home value in Knoxville, TN is $214,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,075 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.3%, Knoxville falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

Tennessee has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 7.0% sales tax rate and 0.64% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Knoxville

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN?
The cost of living index in Knoxville, TN is 74 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,116, median household income is $50,994/year, and the median home value is $214,000.
Is Knoxville, TN affordable?
Yes, Knoxville is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 74. The rent-to-income ratio is 26.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Knoxville, TN?
The median gross rent in Knoxville, TN is $1,116 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,392.
What is the median household income in Knoxville?
The median household income in Knoxville, TN is $50,994 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 7.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.64%. Notably, there is no state income tax.

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