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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Knoxville is 23% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,116/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 18%
$50,994/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 10%
$214,000 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 23%
$1,075/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 16%
193,721
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $5,010/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Springfield — common questions

Is Knoxville or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 74 (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 $920/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Springfield?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $5,010/year higher in Knoxville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Missouri?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Springfield details →

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