Assisted Living Cost in Knoxville
The average cost of assisted living in Knoxville is $3,400/month in 2026. This guide covers room-type pricing, how Knoxville compares to the national average, Medicaid coverage through TennCare CHOICES, and the most affordable alternatives in the area.
Knoxville Assisted Living Costs at a Glance
Average (all types)
$3,400
per month
Memory Care
$4,800
per month
Skilled Nursing
$7,600
per month
Cost by Room Type in Knoxville (2026)
| Room Type | Monthly Cost | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / Shared | $2,700 | $90 |
| 1-Bedroom | $3,600 | $120 |
| 2-Bedroom / Deluxe | $4,500 | $150 |
| Memory Care | $4,800 | $160 |
| Skilled Nursing (semi-priv.) | $7,600 | $253 |
* Costs are 2026 market averages. Actual fees vary by facility, level of care, and unit size.
How Knoxville Compares
Knoxville
$3,400/mo
Tennessee Avg
$3,900/mo
13% below avgNational Avg
$4,500/mo
24% below avgWhy Does Assisted Living Cost $3,400/Month in Knoxville?
- Knoxville is 13% below the Tennessee state average — one of the most affordable mid-size Tennessee markets
- Lower real estate costs and labor rates compared to Nashville and Memphis keep prices competitive
- Proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains makes Knoxville attractive to retirees, moderately increasing demand
- Growing University of Tennessee presence creates a stable, mid-income economy
Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living in Knoxville
TennCare CHOICES covers assisted living
TennCare CHOICES covers in-home and community-based services in Knoxville (Knox County) but does NOT cover assisted living room and board directly. TennCare covers nursing home care for eligible seniors. Contact TennCare at 855-259-0701. The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) Area Agency on Aging serves Knox County at 865-692-8797.
Tennessee Medicaid Guide →How to Afford Assisted Living in Knoxville
- Powell, Halls, and south Knoxville communities average 10–15% below west Knoxville and Farragut
- TennCare CHOICES covers in-home services for eligible seniors — apply early as waitlists exist
- Oak Ridge (25 mi west) has several facilities at similar costs with excellent hospital access
- Tennessee doesn't tax retirement income — net affordability is strong for fixed-income seniors
- VA: Tennessee Valley Healthcare System serves Knoxville veterans with facilities in Knoxville and Murfreesboro
Find Assisted Living Communities in Knoxville
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More Affordable Alternatives Near Knoxville
If Knoxville costs are too high, these nearby cities offer lower averages and similar access to family, healthcare, and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions — Assisted Living in Knoxville
What is the average cost of assisted living in Knoxville, Tennessee?▾
The average cost of assisted living in Knoxville is approximately $3,400 per month in 2026, which is 13% below the Tennessee state average of $3,900/month. Costs range from $2,400/month for a basic studio to $5,000+/month in west Knoxville or Farragut premium communities.
Does TennCare cover assisted living in Knoxville?▾
TennCare CHOICES covers in-home and community-based personal care services in Knox County but does NOT cover assisted living room and board directly. For residential Medicaid coverage, TennCare covers nursing home care. The ETHRA Area Agency on Aging in Knoxville (865-692-8797) can assess needs and connect seniors with available TennCare services.
Is Knoxville a good value for senior living in Tennessee?▾
Knoxville is one of Tennessee's best-value senior living markets — costs are 13% below the state average, Tennessee has no state income tax on retirement income, the climate is mild (four seasons, moderate winters), and Knoxville has strong healthcare (UT Medical Center, Covenant Health). The Smoky Mountain setting appeals to many retirees. Downsides: limited public transit and mountainous terrain can limit mobility for some seniors.
How does Knoxville compare to Nashville and Chattanooga for assisted living costs?▾
Knoxville ($3,400/month) is significantly less expensive than Nashville ($4,500/month) and modestly less than Chattanooga ($3,600/month). Memphis is comparable to Knoxville at $3,500/month. Knoxville is the best-value option among Tennessee's major cities.
What does memory care cost in Knoxville?▾
Memory care in Knoxville averages $4,800 per month in 2026, ranging from $3,600 to $6,200/month. Knoxville has a growing number of memory care communities, particularly in the west and northwest corridors.
What VA resources are available for Knoxville veterans?▾
The Knoxville VA Clinic (865-545-4592) and the main Tennessee Valley Healthcare System's Knoxville campus provide VA primary care. Aid & Attendance is available for eligible veterans — up to $2,795/month for a single veteran, which is a significant offset against Knoxville's affordable rates. The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services has a Knoxville office at 865-594-6000.
Looking for statewide data?
See the full Tennessee assisted living cost guide, Medicaid eligibility, and facility directory.
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