Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Knoxville is 38% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,116/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 53%
$50,994/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 36%
$214,000 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 73%
$1,075/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 55%
193,721
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $593/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $7,116/year.

Median household income is $18,267/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Knoxville or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $593/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $18,267/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Florida?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and West Palm Beach

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings