Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Knoxville is 28% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,116/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 9%
$50,994/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 15%
$214,000 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 49%
$1,075/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 11%
193,721
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $7,756/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Mississippi's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Jackson — common questions

Is Knoxville or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Jackson?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Jackson?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $7,756/year higher in Knoxville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Mississippi?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Jackson

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville