Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Madison is 39% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,364/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 18%
$76,983/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 34%
$346,900 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 38%
$1,476/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 27%
275,568
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $25,989/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Madison or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Knoxville?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Knoxville?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $25,989/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Tennessee?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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.
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