Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Knoxville is 50% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,116/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 66%
$50,994/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 196%
$214,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 138%
$1,075/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 101%
193,721
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $99,943/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Naperville — common questions

Is Knoxville or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Naperville?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Naperville?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $99,943/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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