Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Minneapolis is 38% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,329/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 16%
$80,269/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 36%
$345,600 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 38%
$1,513/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 29%
426,845
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $29,275/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Knoxville?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Knoxville?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $29,275/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Tennessee?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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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