Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Knoxville is 26% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,116/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 17%
$50,994/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 25%
$214,000 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 64%
$1,075/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 28%
193,721
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $12,906/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Knoxville or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Wilmington?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Wilmington?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $12,906/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and North Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Wilmington details →

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