Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Nashville is 49% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,486/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 25%
$75,197/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 32%
$383,100 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 44%
$1,471/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 27%
684,298
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $24,203/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Nashville or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Knoxville?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Knoxville?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $24,203/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Tennessee?
Both cities are in Tennessee and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Knoxville details →

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