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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Knoxville is 45% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,116/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 74%
$50,994/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 170%
$214,000 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 90%
$1,075/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 83%
193,721
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $823/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $9,876/year.

Median household income is $86,517/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Knoxville or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $823/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $86,517/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Sugar Land details →

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