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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Knoxville is 4% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,116/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ≈ Same
$50,994/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 23%
$214,000 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 16%
$1,075/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 4%
193,721
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,726/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Abilene — common questions

Is Knoxville or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Abilene?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Abilene?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $11,726/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Abilene

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland