Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Jacksonville is 24% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,375/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 19%
$66,981/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 24%
$266,100 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 20%
$1,324/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 19%
961,739
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $15,987/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Knoxville?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Knoxville?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $15,987/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Tennessee?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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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