Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Knoxville is 18% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,116/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 13%
$50,994/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 73%
$214,000 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 18%
$1,075/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 40%
193,721
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $37,322/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Elgin — common questions

Is Knoxville or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Elgin?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Elgin?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $37,322/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Elgin

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont