Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Kent, WA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Knoxville is 49% cheaper than Kent.

$1,116/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 64%
$50,994/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 77%
$214,000 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 151%
$1,075/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 78%
193,721
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $717/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $8,604/year.

Median household income is $39,422/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Kent — common questions

Is Knoxville or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Kent?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $717/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Kent?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $39,422/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Washington?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Kent details →

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