Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Knoxville is 42% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,116/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 46%
$50,994/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 77%
$214,000 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 119%
$1,075/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 57%
193,721
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $39,044/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Charleston — common questions

Is Knoxville or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Charleston?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Charleston?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $39,044/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and South Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Charleston details →

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