Knoxville vs. Nashville cost of living comparison: which city fits your renter budget?

Two Tennessee cities, two different price tags. Nashville pulls renters in with its music scene and fast-growing job market, while Knoxville offers smaller monthly bills and an easy drive to the Smoky Mountains. If you’re trying to decide between them, the cost of living is probably near the top of your list.

Before you sign a new lease, it helps to know how the average cost of living in one city compares to the other. From housing and utilities to food and transportation, each expense adds up. If you’re weighing your options, here’s a renter-friendly cost of living comparison showing how Knoxville and Nashville stack up.

Overall cost of living comparison: Knoxville vs. Nashville

At a high level, both Tennessee cities cost less than the typical U.S. town, but your dollar stretches further in Knoxville. The city’s overall cost of living is about 14% below the national average, while Nashville comes in around 2% below it.

That gap of roughly 12 percentage points means everyday expenses tend to add up faster in Nashville. This cost-of-living comparison by city helps explain why many renters might want to take a closer look at Knoxville.

Cost of living breakdown: a renter’s guide

Averages only tell part of the story, so here’s how the two cities compare, category by category.

Housing and average rent

Housing is where the two cities split the most.

• Knoxville average rent: $1,761 a month
• Nashville average rent: $1,832 a month
• National average rent: $1,750 a month

Both cities are close to the national average, but Knoxville rentals run about $71 a month less than Nashville. That adds up to more than $850 a year.

Here’s how rent compares by apartment size:

• Studio: $1,207 in Knoxville, $1,511 in Nashville
• One-bedroom: $1,393 in Knoxville, $1,681 in Nashville
• Two-bedroom: $1,630 in Knoxville, $2,016 in Nashville

If you ever plan to buy, the gap is even wider. A typical home runs about $415,940 in Knoxville and $534,248 in Nashville.

Utilities

Monthly utility bills are cheaper in Knoxville too.

• Energy: about $176 a month in Knoxville, $209 in Nashville
• Phone: $197 a month in both cities

Electricity and heating make the biggest difference between the towns. Knoxville’s energy costs are about $33 less per month, while phone plans are around the same in both.

Groceries and food

Grocery prices are nearly identical. A few common staples:

• Milk (per gallon): $4.65 in Knoxville, $4.62 in Nashville
• Eggs (dozen): $4.58 in both cities
• Bread (loaf): $3.98 in Knoxville, $4.15 in Nashville
• Ground beef (per pound): $7.87 in Knoxville, $7.80 in Nashville

Eating out is just as close. A fast-food hamburger is around $5.19 in Knoxville and $5.34 in Nashville, and a 13-ounce bag of coffee costs $6.46 versus $6.59. For groceries and quick meals, your budget will feel about the same in either city.

Transportation

Getting around costs a little less in Knoxville. Since both cities are built around driving, gas prices matter more than transit costs for most renters. As for prices, gas is about $2.75 a gallon in Knoxville, compared with $2.80 in Nashville.

Overall, transportation costs are 13% below the national average in Knoxville and about 10% below it in Nashville. That difference doesn’t seem like much, but the savings over a year can really add up.

The verdict: which city is right for you?

If lower bills are your top priority, Knoxville comes out ahead in this cost of living by city matchup. It’s cheaper on rent, electricity and gas, and its overall cost of living sits further below the national average.

Nashville costs more overall month to month, but the gap is small on groceries and even smaller on transportation. For renters drawn to a bigger job market and a busier scene, that trade-off may be worth it. There’s no single winner in this cost-of-living comparison. The right choice depends on what matters most to your budget and lifestyle.

Ready to make your move? Browse thousands of apartment listings on RentCafe.com to find your next home in Nashville. If you’re loving life in Knoxville but just want to see what else is out there, explore the latest apartments for rent in Knoxville and compare your options.