Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Knoxville is 34% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,116/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 31%
$50,994/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 25%
$214,000 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 84%
$1,075/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 44%
193,721
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $12,880/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Knoxville or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $12,880/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New Jersey?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Elizabeth details →

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