Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Knoxville is 14% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,116/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 17%
$50,994/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 33%
$214,000 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 17%
$1,075/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ≈ Same
193,721
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $16,865/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Knoxville or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $16,865/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Iowa?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Cedar Rapids

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar