Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Knoxville is 3% more affordable than Louisville. A $75,000 salary in Louisville is equivalent to $72,527 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 Louisville sits at 77 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $210,000 in Louisville, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,100 in Louisville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Knoxville scores 94 while Louisville scores 96.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) match Louisville (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $52,238 in Louisville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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