Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Akron, OH (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Knoxville is 35% more expensive than Akron.

$1,116/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 17%
$50,994/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 5%
$214,000 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 48%
$1,075/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 16%
193,721
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $2,450/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Akron — common questions

Is Knoxville or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Akron?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Akron?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $2,450/year higher in Knoxville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Ohio?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Akron has a cost index of 55 with rent of $930/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Akron details →

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