Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Knoxville is 13% more affordable than Las Vegas. A $75,000 salary in Las Vegas 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: Tennessee salaries · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Las Vegas sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $350,000 in Las Vegas, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,400 in Las Vegas.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Las Vegas scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Las Vegas (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $56,415 in Las Vegas. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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