Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Durham is 42% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,412/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 21%
$79,234/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 36%
$355,300 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 40%
$1,434/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 25%
288,465
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $28,240/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Durham or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Knoxville?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Knoxville?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $28,240/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Knoxville details →

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