Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Knoxville is 30% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,116/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 38%
$50,994/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 26%
$214,000 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 52%
$1,075/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 31%
193,721
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $423/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $5,076/year.

Median household income is $13,446/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Knoxville or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Clearwater?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $423/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Clearwater?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $13,446/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Florida?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Clearwater details →

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