Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

New York is 124% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,779/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 37%
$79,713/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 36%
$751,700 ↑ 251%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 72%
$1,837/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 41%
8,516,202
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $28,719/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Knoxville — common questions

Is New York or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Knoxville?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Knoxville?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $28,719/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Tennessee?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Knoxville details →

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