Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Knoxville is 41% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,116/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 72%
$50,994/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 83%
$214,000 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 85%
$1,075/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 48%
193,721
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $801/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $9,612/year.

Median household income is $42,377/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Surprise — common questions

Is Knoxville or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Surprise?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $801/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Surprise?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $42,377/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Arizona?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Surprise

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