Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Knoxville is 38% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,116/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 44%
$50,994/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 49%
$214,000 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 85%
$1,075/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 56%
193,721
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $25,211/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Lowell — common questions

Is Knoxville or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Lowell?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Lowell?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $25,211/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Massachusetts?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Lowell details →

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