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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Denver is 99% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,770/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 37%
$91,681/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 44%
$586,700 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 64%
$1,839/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 42%
713,734
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $654/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $7,848/year.

Median household income is $40,687/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 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

Denver vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Denver or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Knoxville?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $654/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Knoxville?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $40,687/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Knoxville details →

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