Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Knoxville is 13% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $65,347 in Knoxville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Knoxville sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $240,000 in Knoxville, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,100 in Knoxville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Durham scores 100 while Knoxville scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Knoxville (93).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $42,898 in Knoxville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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