Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Colorado Springs is 61% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,562/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 29%
$83,198/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 39%
$420,700 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 49%
$1,592/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 32%
483,099
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $32,204/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Knoxville?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Knoxville?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $32,204/year higher in Colorado Springs.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Tennessee?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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 Colorado Springs details → View Knoxville details →

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