Knoxville, TN Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Knoxville, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

191,857
Population
$48,309
Median household income
-33% vs tracked median
$184,200
Median home value
-44% vs tracked median
$1,043/mo
Median rent
-25% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

Knoxville, Tennessee is home to roughly 191,857 residents. The typical household earns $48,309 per year — below the median across cities we track (-33%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $184,200 (below the multi-city median at -44%), while renters pay a median of $1,043 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Knoxville

Median home value is $184,200 and median gross rent is $1,043/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Knoxville.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to Knoxville

Planning a move to Knoxville? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN?
In Knoxville, the median home value is $184,200 and median rent is $1,043 per month, against a median household income of $48,309. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Knoxville?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,043/month, that implies an income of about $41,720 to keep housing affordable in Knoxville.
Is it better to rent or buy in Knoxville?
With a median home value of $184,200 and median rent of $1,043/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Knoxville depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare Knoxville to similar cities