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Knoxville, Tennessee Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Knoxville, Tennessee at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $237,300
- State Income Tax
- No state income tax; Social Security and pension income fully exempt.
- Avg January Low
- 32.5°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 91.8 (US avg = 100)
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 63 / 100
Overview
"Knoxville, Tennessee is one of the most affordable major Southeast retirement cities, with median home prices around $260,000 and a cost of living roughly 14% below the national average. Tennessee levies no state income tax, so Social Security, pensions, and 401(k) withdrawals are untaxed. The University of Tennessee Medical Center anchors academic-quality care. The city is known for the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee River, and University of Tennessee cultural assets."
Knoxville sits in eastern Tennessee at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, with the Tennessee River running through downtown. The metro has been a quietly favored retirement destination because of the rare combination of low cost of living, no state income tax, and four-season mountain climate — without the Sun Belt heat. The senior population is around 18% age 65+.
Tennessee's retirement tax picture is among the most favorable in the country: no state income tax (the Hall Tax was repealed in 2021), no estate or inheritance tax, and low property tax rates (~0.65% of assessed value). Combined with a cost of living about 14% below the national average and median home prices around $260,000, Knoxville's after-tax math beats most Southern peers.
Healthcare is a structural strength. The University of Tennessee Medical Center is a Level I trauma center and academic teaching hospital with comprehensive cancer, cardiac, and orthopedic programs. Tennova and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center round out the local network. Medicare Advantage plan availability is solid.
The climate is reliably four-season — January low ~28°F, July high ~88°F, mild humidity. The Smoky Mountains are 30 minutes east; Dollywood and Pigeon Forge are an hour. Knoxville is best for budget-conscious retirees who want no state income tax, four-season mountain access, and university-town culture without the Sun Belt heat.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Knoxville's cost of living is 8.200000000000003% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Knoxville using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$514
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$577
Median home price used: $237,300
Median rent reference: $1,076 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Knoxville, Tennessee after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Knoxville scores 36.8 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Knoxville
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Knoxville →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Tennessee has a tax environment that is highly favorable for retirees.Read more in our detailed Tennessee tax guide.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 302 sunny days a year and an average January low of 32.5°F, Knoxville offers a traditional winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Knoxville
Is Knoxville, Tennessee a good place to retire in 2026?▾
Knoxville, Tennessee is one of the most affordable major Southeast retirement cities, with median home prices around $260,000 and a cost of living roughly 14% below the national average. Tennessee levies no state income tax, so Social Security, pensions, and 401(k) withdrawals are untaxed. The University of Tennessee Medical Center anchors academic-quality care. The city is known for the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee River, and University of Tennessee cultural assets.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, Tennessee for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 92, roughly 8% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $237,300.
Does Tennessee tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Tennessee residents: No state income tax; Social Security and pension income fully exempt.
What is the climate like in Knoxville, Tennessee?▾
Knoxville, Tennessee has January average low around 33°F, July average high around 89°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Knoxville, Tennessee?▾
Knoxville scores 37/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a adequate score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).
How much does it cost to retire in Knoxville, Tennessee?▾
For a retired couple in a paid-off home, total monthly costs in Knoxville run roughly $3,213 based on the cost-of-living index of 92. This includes property taxes, utilities, healthcare premiums, groceries, transportation, and discretionary spending. Renters add roughly $1,200–$1,800/month for a 2-bedroom.
Local Professionals
Financial Advisors
CREEKSIDE CAPITAL, INC.
MCBREARTY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC
COUNCILMARK ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC
PATRIOT INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT GROUP INC
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