Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Knoxville is 14% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,116/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 4%
$50,994/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↑ 16%
$214,000 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 31%
$1,075/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 2%
193,721
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,189/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas City's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Knoxville or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Kansas City?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Kansas City?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $8,189/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Kansas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Kansas City details →

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