Is Knoxville, TN cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Knoxville, TN is 2.5% cheaper than Durham, NC. This translates to saving $188 per month.

What salary do I need in Knoxville, TN to live like I do in Durham, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $147,742.738 in Knoxville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and Knoxville, TN?

Housing in Knoxville, TN is 3.7% cheaper than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Durham, NC to Knoxville, TN?

Moving from Durham, NC to Knoxville, TN could save you approximately $188 per month, or $2257 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC vs Knoxville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $188/month moving to Knoxville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.7K in Knoxville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$188

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$411K

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$369K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K residents.

Knoxville, TN

The Volunteer State

198K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 198K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Durham, NC vs Knoxville, TN

Category	Durham, NC	Knoxville, TN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,378/mo	↓ $90.52less	3.7%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$468/mo	↓ $78.07less	14.3%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,236/mo	↓ $47.81less	3.7%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$556/mo	↓ $44.94less	7.5%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,668/mo	↓ $39.32less	2.3%
Groceries	$959/mo	$967/mo	↑ $8.05more	0.8%

Housing

↓ 3.7%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Difference

$90.52

less

All Utilities

↓ 14.3%

Durham, NC

$546

Knoxville, TN

$468

Difference

$78.07

less

Transportation

↓ 3.7%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Difference

$47.81

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.5%

Durham, NC

$601

Knoxville, TN

$556

Difference

$44.94

less

Other

↓ 2.3%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Difference

$39.32

less

Groceries

↑ 0.8%

Durham, NC

$959

Knoxville, TN

$967

Difference

$8.05

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,430

To$1,200

↓ $230

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,200

↓ $320

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,495

↓ $235

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,891

↓ $249

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$293

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Knoxville

$411K

Median Value

$369K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +0.7%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +64.1%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$196K - $638K

Homes in Knoxville are 10% less expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham Calculate payment - Knoxville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Durham, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Knoxville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Knoxville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.