Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Knoxville is 6% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $70,213 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Rochester scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
Amazon affiliate links