Knoxville, Tennessee, was recently ranked 46th out of the top 125 most populated cities in the United States. It’s becoming a more desirable place to live because of its expanding downtown area, low rent prices, and access to nature. Located north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, see if this Southern city is the right place for you.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, Tennessee?
The cost of living is the amount of money you will need to spend on things like rent, groceries, health care, taxes, and other expenses associated with living in a certain city. The overall cost of living in Knoxville is about 15% lower than the national average. The biggest expense affecting the cost of living is housing, and in Knoxville, the housing market is almost 18% lower than the rest of the country.
Specific living costs in the city can vary. For example, while housing remains low in almost all parts of the city, health care and utilities are on par with the rest of the country. In terms of overall costs, living in Knoxville is similar to living in other medium-sized Tennessee cities, such as Chattanooga and Murfreesboro.
How expensive is an apartment in Knoxville, Tennessee?
If you are on a strict budget, it’s important to know which areas to avoid in Knoxville. Oakwood, South Knoxville, Old City, and Downtown Knoxville have some of the highest rental prices in the city. The average monthly rent for an apartment in Knoxville is:
- Studio apartment: $856
- One-bedroom apartment: $899
- Two-bedroom apartment: $1,085
- Three-bedroom apartment: $1,450
- Four-bedroom apartment: $1,500
Again, these are the average prices. If you are looking in one of the previously mentioned areas, expect a slightly higher rental fee. A good rule of thumb is the closer apartments are to the downtown area, the more expensive they will be. On the other hand, these apartments may be more modern and have more amenities.
How do I find cheap apartments in Knoxville, Tennessee?
To find the best rental rates in Knoxville, use the online marketplace to research different apartment options based on price, amenities, and location. Think about what you need in your apartment and filter your options accordingly. For example, you can filter results by number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, and if the apartment complex is pet-friendly. Also, when filtering results, have a maximum budget you are willing to spend and don’t go over it. Factor in roommates as living with more people can decrease certain costs.
Once you have your requirements narrowed and budget set, you can start looking at apartments. Make sure to physically visit the apartment before signing the lease so you get a good look at the area you will live in. Another way to ensure you get the best deal is by signing a longer lease. Some landlords will offer discounts to renters who can sign a lease longer than six months.
What is the cheapest rent in Knoxville, Tennessee?
Housing in Knoxville is well below the national average, so you can find an excellent price for an apartment in almost every neighborhood. However, there are some neighborhoods that stand out in terms of low rental costs:
- Asbury: Average one-bedroom apartment is $768.
- Bella Vista: Average one-bedroom apartment is $764.
- Braxton: Average one-bedroom apartment is $778.
- Bridgeview: Average one-bedroom apartment is $749.
These cheaper neighborhoods are on the outskirts of the city, about a 20-minute drive away from the downtown area. Be sure to check out Rockwood, one of the cheapest cities in Tennessee that also lies within the Knoxville metro area. When you are deciding whether to rent an apartment in the cheapest neighborhood, remember to consider other factors such as transportation costs and the convenience of being close to downtown events and stores.
How much do utilities cost in Knoxville, Tennessee?
Basic utilities in Knoxville cost about $144 a month. This includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. Utilities will fluctuate a lot depending on your needs and usage. In Knoxville, the summers are humid and hot and the winters are short, cold, and wet. You will probably end up paying more for utilities in the summer, as you will use the air conditioning more frequently. Make sure your apartment has windows that are properly sealed and try to find apartments that have a good ceiling fan to help with cooling costs.
The average costs for cable and internet in Knoxville are on par with the rest of the country, costing about $66 per month. However, Knoxville is a big city with an extensive selection of providers that will allow you to bundle your internet, phone, and cable bills. Be sure to evaluate all your options and think about what your internet, phone, and entertainment needs are.
What are some free activities in Knoxville, Tennessee?
Located near the Great Smoky Mountains, there is no limit to the free and exciting outdoor activities in Knoxville. One area to check out is the Ijams Nature Center, a 300-acre wooded area with walking and bike paths, a zip line, and a quarry where you can take a dip in the hot, summer months. If you’re interested in an even more picturesque encounter with nature, take a trip to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. With 47 acres of walking trails and historical buildings, it’s a great place to practice photography skills or just hang out with friends.
For those interested in the art scene, the Knoxville Museum of Art has the largest glass and steel installation in the world, a rotating gallery, and a permanent gallery celebrating the local artists of Tennessee. Or, you could look at more urban art, and make sure to search around Downtown Knoxville for some unique and beautiful murals.
Even if you are looking into activities that cost money, entertainment is cheaper in Knoxville. Compared to nearby Nashville, the cost of going out in Knoxville is about 16% lower. To give you an idea of costs, a meal for two in a midrange restaurant will cost about $50.
Knoxville has a ton of free activities, generally low rental costs, and is surrounded by natural beauty. It’s clear that living in Knoxville will afford you a good life at a low price.
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