Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Below the national average, an affordable college town near the Smoky Mountains.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 90
Median 2BR rent: $1,400/mo
Housing: 84 vs 100
Groceries: 95 vs 100
Utilities: 101 vs 100
Transportation: 96 vs 100
Healthcare: 95 vs 100
Knoxville offers University of Tennessee energy, Smoky Mountains access, and no state income tax at below-average costs. Affordable housing anchors the value.