Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Knoxville is 6% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,116/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 14%
$50,994/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 5%
$214,000 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 12%
$1,075/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 16%
193,721
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $2,409/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Allentown — common questions

Is Knoxville or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Allentown?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Allentown?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $2,409/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Pennsylvania?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Allentown details →

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