Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Knoxville is 20% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,116/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 18%
$50,994/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 72%
$214,000 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 34%
$1,075/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 24%
193,721
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $36,773/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Rochester — common questions

Is Knoxville or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Rochester?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Rochester?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $36,773/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Minnesota?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Rochester details →

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