Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Knoxville is 30% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,116/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 31%
$50,994/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 5%
$214,000 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 57%
$1,075/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 44%
193,721
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $341/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,092/year.

Median household income is $2,772/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Paterson — common questions

Is Knoxville or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Paterson?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $341/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Paterson?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $2,772/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New Jersey?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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