Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Vancouver, WA (2026)
Knoxville
Tennessee
74
VS
Vancouver
Washington
123
Knoxville is 49% cheaper than Vancouver.
$1,116/mo
↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo
↑ 46%
$50,994/yr
↓ 35%
Median Income
$78,156/yr
↑ 53%
$214,000
↓ 51%
Home Value
$440,300
↑ 106%
$1,075/mo
↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo
↑ 49%
193,721
Population
192,696
Tax Comparison
0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income
Detailed Comparison
When comparing Knoxville, TN and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are
74 and 123 respectively
(national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $6,192/year.
Median household income is $27,162/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000
compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knoxville vs Vancouver — common questions
Is Knoxville or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Vancouver?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Vancouver?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $27,162/year higher in Vancouver.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Washington?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.