Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Knoxville is 4% more affordable than Milwaukee. A $75,000 salary in Milwaukee is equivalent to $71,739 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 · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Milwaukee scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Milwaukee (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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