Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Fort Worth is 31% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,412/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 21%
$76,602/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 33%
$277,300 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 23%
$1,489/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 28%
941,311
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $25,608/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Knoxville?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Knoxville?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $25,608/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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 Fort Worth details → View Knoxville details →

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