Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Provo, UT (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Knoxville is 27% cheaper than Provo.

$1,116/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 3%
$50,994/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↑ 23%
$214,000 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 104%
$1,075/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 13%
193,721
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,806/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Provo — common questions

Is Knoxville or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Provo?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Provo?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $11,806/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Utah?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Provo details →

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