Cost of Living in Knoxville, TN
Population 195,185 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Knoxville, TN is $1,191/month, about the same as the Tennessee median and 16% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $239,700, 28% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $54,039 a year, 22% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Knoxville vs. Tennessee vs. U.S.
| Knoxville | Tennessee | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,191 | $1,189 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $239,700 | $286,700 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $54,039 | $69,595 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 46.6% | 66.9% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.6% | 31.1% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 20.2% | 13.8% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 13.2% | 12.9% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 33.5 | 38.9 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Knoxville, TN?
The median gross rent in Knoxville, TN is $1,191 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Knoxville, TN?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $47,640 a year in gross income.
Is Knoxville, TN expensive to live in?
Rent there is 16% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.4 times the median household income.
Other cities in Tennessee
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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