Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Norman, OK (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Knoxville and Norman have a similar cost of living.

$1,116/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 5%
$50,994/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 28%
$214,000 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 12%
$1,075/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 4%
193,721
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $14,066/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Norman — common questions

Is Knoxville or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Norman?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Norman?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $14,066/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Oklahoma?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Norman details →

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