Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Baltimore is 14% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,290/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 13%
$59,623/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 14%
$219,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 2%
$1,333/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 19%
577,193
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $8,629/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Baltimore or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Knoxville?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Knoxville?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $8,629/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Tennessee?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Knoxville details →

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