Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Cincinnati is 7% cheaper than Knoxville.

$953/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 17%
$51,707/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 1%
$215,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$214,000 ≈ Same
$1,041/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 3%
309,595
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $713/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Knoxville?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Knoxville?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $713/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Tennessee?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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.
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