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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Knoxville is 8% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,116/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 4%
$50,994/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↑ 9%
$214,000 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 14%
$1,075/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 9%
193,721
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,659/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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 Columbia — common questions

Is Knoxville or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Columbia?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Columbia?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $4,659/year higher in Columbia.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Columbia details →

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