Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Knoxville is 51% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,116/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 61%
$50,994/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 122%
$214,000 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 181%
$1,075/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 81%
193,721
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $62,402/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Arvada — common questions

Is Knoxville or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Arvada?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Arvada?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $62,402/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Colorado?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Arvada details →

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