Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Knoxville is 16% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,116/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 11%
$50,994/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 73%
$214,000 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 16%
$1,075/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 37%
193,721
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $37,032/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Joliet — common questions

Is Knoxville or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Joliet?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Joliet?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $37,032/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Joliet details →

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