Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Independence, MO (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Knoxville is 10% more expensive than Independence.

$1,116/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 5%
$50,994/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 17%
$214,000 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 22%
$1,075/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 3%
193,721
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $8,486/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Independence — common questions

Is Knoxville or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Independence?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Independence?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $8,486/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Missouri?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Independence details →

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