Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Knoxville is 5% more affordable than Lexington. A $75,000 salary in Lexington is equivalent to $70,968 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 · Kentucky salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Lexington sits at 82 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $245,000 in Lexington, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,200 in Lexington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Knoxville scores 94 while Lexington scores 96.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Lexington (94). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $55,648 in Lexington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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