Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Newark is 35% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,330/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 16%
$48,416/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↑ 5%
$337,800 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 37%
$1,419/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 24%
307,188
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $2,578/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Newark or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Knoxville?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Knoxville?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $2,578/year higher in Knoxville.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Tennessee?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Knoxville details →

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