Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
32% cheaper
Knoxville is 32% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $50,769 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Portland scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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