Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Knoxville is 25% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,116/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 11%
$50,994/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 10%
$214,000 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 42%
$1,075/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 9%
193,721
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $5,149/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Knoxville or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Syracuse?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Syracuse?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $5,149/year higher in Knoxville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New York?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Syracuse details →

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