Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Knoxville is 48% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,116/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 56%
$50,994/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 68%
$214,000 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 156%
$1,075/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 61%
193,721
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $630/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $7,560/year.

Median household income is $34,795/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Knoxville or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Lakewood?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $630/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Lakewood?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $34,795/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Colorado?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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