Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Knoxville is 69% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,116/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 146%
$50,994/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 148%
$214,000 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 386%
$1,075/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 145%
193,721
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,626/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $19,512/year.

Median household income is $75,475/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Knoxville or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Cambridge?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,626/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Cambridge?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $75,475/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Massachusetts?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Cambridge details →

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