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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Columbus is 12% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,224/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 9%
$65,327/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 22%
$234,500 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 9%
$1,243/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 14%
906,480
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $14,333/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 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

Columbus vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Columbus or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Knoxville?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Knoxville?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $14,333/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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