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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Knoxville is 17% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,116/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 26%
$50,994/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 41%
$214,000 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 6%
$1,075/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 29%
193,721
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $20,849/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Knoxville or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Mesquite?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Mesquite?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $20,849/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Mesquite details →

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