Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Jersey City is 100% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,902/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 41%
$94,813/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 46%
$534,500 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 60%
$2,006/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 46%
289,691
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $786/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $9,432/year.

Median household income is $43,819/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Jersey City or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Knoxville?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $786/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Knoxville?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $43,819/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Tennessee?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Knoxville details →

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