Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Knoxville is 12% cheaper than Savannah.

$1,116/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↑ 17%
$50,994/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↑ 11%
$214,000 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$225,200 ↑ 5%
$1,075/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↑ 17%
193,721
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $5,788/year higher in Savannah. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Savannah — common questions

Is Knoxville or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Savannah?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Savannah?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $5,788/year higher in Savannah.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Georgia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Savannah has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,302/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Savannah details →

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