Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Knoxville is 70% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,116/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 124%
$50,994/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 216%
$214,000 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 462%
$1,075/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 141%
193,721
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,389/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $16,668/year.

Median household income is $110,306/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Knoxville or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Bellevue?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,389/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Bellevue?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $110,306/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Washington?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Bellevue details →

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