Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Columbus vs Knoxville

$75,000 salary · single filer · 2-bedroom apartment

Monthly take-home pay

Columbus$4,827

Knoxville$5,096

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Columbus$1,430

Knoxville$1,471

Left after rent

Columbus$3,397

Knoxville$3,625

Thinking about moving from Columbus to Knoxville on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,827/mo in Columbus and $5,096/mo in Knoxville after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $3,397/mo in Columbus vs $3,625/mo in Knoxville. Numbers use 2026 tax brackets and HUD fair market rents. Treat them as a starting point, not financial advice.

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