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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Knoxville is 21% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,116/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 15%
$50,994/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 15%
$214,000 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 30%
$1,075/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 6%
193,721
Population
112,126

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
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $7,722/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Peoria — common questions

Is Knoxville or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Peoria?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Peoria?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $7,722/year higher in Peoria.
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 Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Peoria details →

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