Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Knoxville is 6% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,116/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
$50,994/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,339/yr ≈ Same
$214,000 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 4%
$1,075/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 19%
193,721
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $345/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Springfield — common questions

Is Knoxville or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Springfield?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Springfield?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $345/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Massachusetts?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Springfield details →

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