Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Knoxville is 10% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,116/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 16%
$50,994/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 20%
$214,000 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 7%
$1,075/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 7%
193,721
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $9,953/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Knoxville or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Lakeland?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Lakeland?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $9,953/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Florida?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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