Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Knoxville is 12% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul is equivalent to $66,000 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 · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while St. Paul scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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