Tennessee · Population 193,721 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Knoxville
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
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.
Common questions about living costs in Knoxville
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in Knoxville, TN with 299 other major U.S. cities