Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Providence, RI (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Knoxville is 25% cheaper than Providence.

$1,116/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 19%
$50,994/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 31%
$214,000 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 51%
$1,075/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 36%
193,721
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.0%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $15,778/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Providence — common questions

Is Knoxville or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Providence?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Providence?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $15,778/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Rhode Island?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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