Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Knoxville and Killeen have a similar cost of living.

$1,116/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↑ 3%
$50,994/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↑ 14%
$214,000 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 8%
$1,075/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↑ 9%
193,721
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,345/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Killeen — common questions

Is Knoxville or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Killeen?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Killeen?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $7,345/year higher in Killeen.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Killeen

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale