Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Charlotte is 46% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,504/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 26%
$78,438/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 35%
$351,500 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 39%
$1,487/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 28%
886,283
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $27,444/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Charlotte or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Knoxville?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Knoxville?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $27,444/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Knoxville details →

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