Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Chicago is 35% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,380/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 19%
$75,134/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 32%
$315,200 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 32%
$1,502/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 28%
2,707,648
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $24,140/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Chicago or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Knoxville?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Knoxville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $24,140/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Tennessee?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Knoxville details →

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