Knoxville, TN cost of living
TN · BLS RPP 90.4
Estimated — not yet source-verified.Estimated — not yet source-verified against official BLS/HUD figures. This page is not indexed. Treat the RPP and FMR values as rough proxies and verify with the BLS or HUD datasets directly before relying on them.
Overall RPP
90.4
US = 100
Housing RPP
82.4
Housing component
Goods RPP
97
Goods component
2-BR Rent (HUD)
$1,140/mo
FY2024 FMR
What salary do you need in Knoxville, TN?
Equivalent salary to maintain the same purchasing power as in a US-average city (RPP 100).
| In US-average city | You need in Knoxville, TN | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,200 | $50,000 x (90.4/100) |
| $75,000 | $67,800 | $75,000 x (90.4/100) |
| $100,000 | $90,400 | $100,000 x (90.4/100) |
| $125,000 | $113,000 | $125,000 x (90.4/100) |
| $150,000 | $135,600 | $150,000 x (90.4/100) |
| $200,000 | $180,800 | $200,000 x (90.4/100) |
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
State income tax note
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN?
- Knoxville, TN has a BLS Regional Price Parity of 90.4 (US average = 100). It is 9.6% less expensive than the national average.
- What salary do I need to live in Knoxville, TN?
- If you earn $100,000 in a US-average city (RPP 100), you would need approximately $90,400 in Knoxville, TN to maintain the same purchasing power.
- What is the average rent in Knoxville, TN?
- The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Knoxville, TN is approximately $1,140 per month as of FY2024.
Compare with other cities
Buying a home in Knoxville, TN? See closing costs at TallyClose.