Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Knoxville is 29% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,116/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 18%
$50,994/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 120%
$214,000 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 59%
$1,075/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 55%
193,721
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $61,238/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Olathe — common questions

Is Knoxville or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Olathe?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Olathe?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $61,238/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Kansas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Olathe has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Olathe details →

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