Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Knoxville is 5% more affordable than Tucson. A $75,000 salary in Tucson is equivalent to $70,968 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $25,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Knoxville scores 94 while Tucson scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) match Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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