Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Knoxville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 8.9% more expensive than Knoxville, TN. This translates to spending an extra $669 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Knoxville, TN, you'd need approximately $158,025.559 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Knoxville, TN and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 11.5% more expensive than in Knoxville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN.

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

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $669 more per month than Knoxville, TN, or $8026 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Knoxville, TN vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Knoxville, TN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Lexington, KY area

Current salary in Knoxville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $669/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.0K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Knoxville, TN area

Overall Cost

↑ 8.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$669

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.0K

Per year

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

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$369K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$489K

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!

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Knoxville, TN vs Nashville, TN

Category	Knoxville, TN	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,668/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $274more	16.4%
🏠Housing	$2,378/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $272more	11.5%
🏥Healthcare	$556/mo	$607/mo	↑ $51.13more	9.2%
⚡All Utilities	$468/mo	$519/mo	↑ $50.74more	10.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,236/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $47.81more	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$967/mo	$949/mo	↓ $18.04less	1.9%

📦Other

↑ 16.4%

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$274

🏠Housing

↑ 11.5%

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$272

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.2%

Knoxville, TN

$556

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$51.13

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.8%

Knoxville, TN

$468

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$50.74

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.9%

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$47.81

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.9%

Knoxville, TN

$967

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$18.04

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,200

To$1,600

↑ $400

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,680

↑ $480

2 Bed

From$1,495

To$1,840

↑ $345

3 Bed

From$1,891

To$2,350

↑ $459

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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.

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$678

Difference

Home Values

Knoxville

Nashville

$369K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +64.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$196K - $638K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 32% more expensive than Knoxville

Calculate payment - Knoxville Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

Nashville, 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

Knoxville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Nashville, 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.