Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Lexington is 11% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,101/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 1%
$67,631/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 25%
$272,100 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 21%
$1,160/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 7%
321,122
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,637/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Lexington or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Knoxville?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Knoxville?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $16,637/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Tennessee?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Knoxville

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence