Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs High Point, NC (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Knoxville and High Point have a similar cost of living.

$1,116/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 5%
$50,994/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 20%
$214,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$212,400 ≈ Same
$1,075/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ≈ Same
193,721
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $10,234/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs High Point — common questions

Is Knoxville or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and High Point?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or High Point?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $10,234/year higher in High Point.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and North Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and High Point

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles