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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Milwaukee is 9% cheaper than Knoxville.

$1,033/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 8%
$51,888/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 2%
$172,000 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 24%
$1,082/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ≈ Same
569,756
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $894/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 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

Milwaukee vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Knoxville?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Knoxville?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $894/year higher in Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Knoxville details →

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