Cost of Living in Knoxville, TN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,086 (excluding rent), and $2,592 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,701 (excluding rent), and $4,699 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.96 $17.96

$11.97 $11.97

$29.93 $29.93

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$86.5 $86.5

$61.0 $61.0

$183 $183

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.11 $10.11

$9.10 $9.10

$10.11 $10.11

Cappuccino

$5.98 $5.98

$3.06 $3.06

$8.16 $8.16

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.48 $2.48

$1.48 $1.48

$2.95 $2.95

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.38 $2.38

$1.49 $1.49

$2.98 $2.98

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.55 $6.55

$4.53 $4.53

$8.06 $8.06

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.20 $6.20

$3.97 $3.97

$7.44 $7.44

Milk (1 liter)

$1.08 $1.08

$0.92 $0.92

$1.36 $1.36

White Bread (500g)

$3.71 $3.71

$2.87 $2.87

$4.76 $4.76

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.82 $3.82

$1.07 $1.07

$6.46 $6.46

Eggs

$3.68 $3.68

$1.71 $1.71

$5.85 $5.85

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.13 $10.13

$6.12 $6.12

$22.24 $22.24

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.81 $8.81

$4.99 $4.99

$15.50 $15.50

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.92 $15.92

$11.11 $11.11

$26.46 $26.46

Apples (1kg)

$6.44 $6.44

$3.34 $3.34

$10.14 $10.14

Banana (1kg)

$1.42 $1.42

$1.10 $1.10

$1.77 $1.77

Oranges (1kg)

$2.70 $2.70

$1.03 $1.03

$8.35 $8.35

Tomato (1kg)

$5.28 $5.28

$3.27 $3.27

$6.58 $6.58

Potato (1kg)

$2.18 $2.18

$0.98 $0.98

$6.80 $6.80

Onion (1kg)

$4.54 $4.54

$2.14 $2.14

$6.65 $6.65

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.37 $2.37

$1.00 $1.00

$4.01 $4.01

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.23 $2.23

$1.80 $1.80

$3.08 $3.08

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.75 $8.75

$5.94 $5.94

$14.85 $14.85

Wine (Bottle)

$15.44 $15.44

$8.08 $8.08

$17.16 $17.16

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.86 $1.86

$1.75 $1.75

$3.62 $3.62

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.96 $2.96

$1.44 $1.44

$5.66 $5.66

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.99 $0.99

$1.98 $1.98

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.52 $29.52

$44.28 $44.28

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.98 $4.98

$9.97 $9.97

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.57 $1.57

$0.82 $0.82

$1.57 $1.57

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.96 $29.96

$35.95 $35.95

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.73 $0.73

$1.03 $1.03

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.0K $30.0K

$23.9K $23.9K

$36.7K $36.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.9K $25.9K

$25.4K $25.4K

$26.6K $26.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$240 $240

$103 $103

$353 $353

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$53.0 $53.0

$42.20 $42.20

$108 $108

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$68.9 $68.9

$45.75 $45.75

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$34.96 $34.96

$10.09 $10.09

$70.6 $70.6

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$24.63 $24.63

$4.93 $4.93

$34.48 $34.48

Cinema Ticket

$14.75 $14.75

$12.21 $12.21

$16.98 $16.98

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,139 $1,139

$1,005 $1,005

$1,206 $1,206

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$20.7K $20.7K

$16.6K $16.6K

$27.0K $27.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$55.4 $55.4

$23.15 $23.15

$90.6 $90.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$59.2 $59.2

$34.51 $34.51

$74.0 $74.0

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$107 $107

$64.3 $64.3

$147 $147

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$120 $120

$39.61 $39.61

$177 $177

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,688 $1,688

$1,400 $1,400

$2,500 $2,500

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,286 $1,286

$1,046 $1,046

$1,593 $1,593

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,165 $3,165

$1,726 $1,726

$5,128 $5,128

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,808 $1,808

$1,478 $1,478

$3,448 $3,448

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,980 $4,980

$2,448 $2,448

$5,860 $5,860

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,277 $2,277

$2,127 $2,127

$2,782 $2,782

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,521 $3,521

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.59

6.19

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 2, 2026

Knoxville, TN Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Knoxville, TN - Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville tends to offer a favorable balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, especially when you compare it to larger metros. Housing is generally more approachable, and you'll find a solid mix of groceries, casual dining, and services that won’t drain your budget the way some bigger cities do. The downtown area remains walkable, with green spaces and outdoor recreation nearby, while shorter commutes mean you can split your day between work and exploration. Cost of Living in Knoxville, TN, United States helps frame your planning and expectations. Tip: Use a neighborhood mix to balance work and exploration.

Daily life here is approachable and practical for different budgets. In terms of housing search, you'll see a range from compact downtown studios to larger family-friendly units a short drive from the action. Food options run from farmers markets to affordable local eateries and grocery stores that let you cook at home without sacrificing variety. For getting around, you can rely on a city bus network, ride-hailing, and bike-friendly corridors to keep transport costs predictable. Co-working and cafe spaces are plentiful for remote work, especially downtown and near campuses. Knoxville, TN, United States living cost is a helpful frame as you map errands and week-by-week routines. Tip: Start with a 2-week trial in a neighborhood before committing.

Quality of life in Knoxville varies by neighborhood and season, but you can shape a balanced life with a simple budgeting framework. Consider a 50/30/20 approach: essentials, lifestyle choices, and savings, adjusted to your work rhythm and housing. Free or low-cost outdoor options include riverside trails, festivals, and local art walks. To optimize your stay, look for neighborhoods that align with your pace, downtown for nightlife and proximity to work, Northshore for a more relaxed vibe, or West Hills for quieter streets and families. Seasonality affects energy use and activities, so plan ahead for hot summers and mild winters. Tip: Build a rotating calendar of local experiences to spread costs.