Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Mesa is 45% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,478/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 24%
$78,779/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 35%
$364,300 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 41%
$1,404/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 23%
507,478
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $27,785/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Mesa or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Knoxville?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Knoxville?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $27,785/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Knoxville details →

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