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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Knoxville and Waco have a similar cost of living.

$1,116/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 2%
$50,994/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,468/yr ≈ Same
$214,000 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 7%
$1,075/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 2%
193,721
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $474/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Waco — common questions

Is Knoxville or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Waco?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Waco?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $474/year higher in Waco.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Waco details →

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