Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Kansas City is 8% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,186/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 6%
$67,449/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 24%
$227,000 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 6%
$1,205/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 11%
508,233
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $16,455/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Kansas 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Knoxville?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Knoxville?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $16,455/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Tennessee?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Knoxville details →

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