Quick answer
Memphis costs $260/month less overall ($1,455 vs $1,715/mo). Both cities have None state income tax, so the rent gap is the real difference.
City Comparison · 2026
Knoxville vs Memphis
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Knoxville vs Memphis at a Glance
| Metric | Knoxville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,200 | $1,220 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 | $1,220 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $280K | $195K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $150 ✓ | $150 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $365 | $325 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,715 | $1,455 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 34/100 | 36/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 22/100 | 28/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | None |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Memphis's 1BR averages $980/month vs $1,200 in Knoxville — a $220/month difference, or $2,640/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Both cities carry the same state income tax rate (None), so this isn't a differentiator.
Home buying: Median homes in Memphis are $195K vs $280K in Knoxville. At a 20% down payment, that's a $17,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $150/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Knoxville, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Knoxville. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Memphis, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Memphis. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Knoxville
Humid subtropical; winters average 40°F, summers 85-88°F; 200+ sunny days/year
Memphis
Hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms, high annual rainfall
Job Market
Knoxville top industries
Memphis top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Knoxville if…
- →You're a Graduate students and academics (UT, Oak Ridge employment)
- →You're a Research scientists and engineers
- →You're a Remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts with proximity to Smoky Mountains
- →You want zero state income tax
Move to Memphis if…
- →You're a logistics / supply chain workers
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a musicians
- →You're a remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,455 in Memphis vs $1,715 in Knoxville — a $260/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Knoxville or Memphis?
Memphis is more walkable with a Walk Score of 36/100 vs 34/100. Knoxville is more car-dependent.
Knoxville vs Memphis: which has lower state income tax?
Both Knoxville and Memphis have the same state income tax rate (None).
Is Knoxville or Memphis better for buying a home?
Memphis has lower median home prices at $195K vs $280K in Knoxville — a $85,000 difference on the median home.