Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Anchorage is 53% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,453/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 23%
$98,152/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 48%
$375,900 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 43%
$1,698/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 37%
289,069
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $47,158/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Anchorage or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Knoxville?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Knoxville?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $47,158/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Tennessee?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

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