Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Austin is 81% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,655/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 33%
$91,461/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 44%
$512,700 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 58%
$1,747/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 38%
967,862
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $539/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $6,468/year.

Median household income is $40,467/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Austin or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Knoxville?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $539/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Knoxville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $40,467/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Knoxville details →

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