Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Knoxville is 42% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,116/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 64%
$50,994/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 89%
$214,000 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 90%
$1,075/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 67%
193,721
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $45,263/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Richardson — common questions

Is Knoxville or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Richardson?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Richardson?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $45,263/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater