Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Knoxville, TN?

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

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

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

How does housing cost compare between Knoxville, TN and Tampa, FL?

Housing in Tampa, FL is 13.6% more expensive than in Knoxville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,290/month in Tampa, FL compared to $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN.

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

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

Knoxville, TN vs Tampa, FL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Knoxville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $669/month more in Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.0K in Tampa, FL

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$369K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:

109

(9% above avg)

Median Home:$367K

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!

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Knoxville, TN vs Tampa, FL

Category	Knoxville, TN	Tampa, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,378/mo	$2,703/mo	↑ $324more	13.6%
Other	$1,668/mo	$1,808/mo	↑ $140more	8.4%
All Utilities	$468/mo	$574/mo	↑ $105more	22.5%
Groceries	$967/mo	$1,019/mo	↑ $51.91more	5.4%
Transportation	$1,236/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $47.81more	3.9%
Healthcare	$556/mo	$570/mo	↑ $13.96more	2.5%

Housing

↑ 13.6%

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Difference

$324

Other

↑ 8.4%

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Difference

$140

All Utilities

↑ 22.5%

Knoxville, TN

$468

Tampa, FL

$574

Difference

$105

Groceries

↑ 5.4%

Knoxville, TN

$967

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Difference

$51.91

Transportation

↑ 3.9%

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Difference

$47.81

Healthcare

↑ 2.5%

Knoxville, TN

$556

Tampa, FL

$570

Difference

$13.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,200

To$1,850

↑ $650

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,960

↑ $760

2 Bed

From$1,495

To$2,290

↑ $795

3 Bed

From$1,891

To$2,930

↑ $1,039

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/mo

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$683

Difference

Home Values

Knoxville

Tampa

$369K

Median Value

$367K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4%

↑ +64.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.1%

$196K - $638K

Price Range

$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 1% less expensive than Knoxville

Calculate payment - Knoxville Calculate payment - Tampa

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

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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%

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.