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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Cleveland is 31% cheaper than Knoxville.

$894/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 25%
$39,187/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↑ 30%
$94,100 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 127%
$866/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 24%
367,523
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $11,807/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 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

Cleveland vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Cleveland or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Knoxville?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Knoxville?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $11,807/year higher in Knoxville.
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 Cleveland or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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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