Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs College Station, TX (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Knoxville is 19% cheaper than College Station.

$1,116/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 5%
$50,994/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↑ 2%
$214,000 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 53%
$1,075/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 16%
193,721
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $782/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs College Station — common questions

Is Knoxville or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and College Station?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or College Station?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $782/year higher in College Station.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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