Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Knoxville is 46% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,116/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 49%
$50,994/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 64%
$214,000 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 156%
$1,075/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 57%
193,721
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $545/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $6,540/year.

Median household income is $32,604/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Knoxville or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $545/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $32,604/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Colorado?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Fort Collins details →

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