Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Knoxville is 18% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $61,682 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Salt Lake City scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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