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Grocery Costs in Knoxville, TN

By Sarah Chen ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$5,236
MONTHLY
$436
VS NATIONAL
-9%
COST INDEX
87

Direct Answer

Grocery Costs in Knoxville, TN averages approximately $5,236/year ($436/month) โ€” 9% below the US national average of $5,760. Typical range: $3,403โ€“$7,592 depending on household and provider.

Grocery Costs Range in Knoxville

Budget-Conscious
$3,403/yr
~$284/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$5,236/yr
~$436/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$7,592/yr
~$633/mo ยท 45% above average

How Knoxville Compares

Knoxville's grocery cost runs $524 less per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 87, Knoxville is positioned among the more affordable US markets, with grocery costs pricing well below national averages.

โ„น More expensive nearby: Asheville, NC (81 mi) costs more โ€” index 108.

Grocery Costs in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Knoxville, TN This page87$5,236-9%
New York, NY187$9,268+61%
Los Angeles, CA166$8,421+46%
Chicago, IL107$6,042+5%
Houston, TX96$5,599-3%
Phoenix, AZ103$5,881+2%
View all 300+ cities ranked by grocery cost โ†’

How to Save on Grocery Costs in Knoxville

1

Shop providers annually โ€” grocery cost pricing in Knoxville varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within TN, grocery cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for grocery cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Knoxville discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Knoxville and TN may offer income-based reductions for grocery cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Knoxville

See how other major expenses look in Knoxville, TN.

See the full Knoxville cost-of-living profile โ†’

Knoxville Grocery Costs โ€” FAQ

What is the average grocery cost in Knoxville, TN?

The average grocery cost in Knoxville, TN is approximately $5,236 per year ($436/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 87 applied to the national baseline of $5,760.

Is grocery costs expensive in Knoxville?

No โ€” grocery cost in Knoxville runs about 9% below the US national average, helped by a city-wide cost index of 87. The annual cost is roughly $524 less than the national figure.

How much does grocery cost cost per month in Knoxville?

Monthly grocery cost in Knoxville averages about $436. Households typically see $284โ€“$633 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives grocery cost differences between cities?

Grocery Costs pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 87 for Knoxville) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.