Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Oklahoma City and Knoxville have a similar cost of living.

$1,083/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 3%
$66,702/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 24%
$215,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$214,000 ≈ Same
$1,133/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 5%
688,693
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,708/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma City's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Knoxville?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Knoxville?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $15,708/year higher in Oklahoma City.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Tennessee?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/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 Oklahoma City details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oklahoma City and Knoxville

Oklahoma City vs. Denver Oklahoma City vs. Nashville Oklahoma City vs. Seattle Oklahoma City vs. El Paso Oklahoma City vs. San Francisco Oklahoma City vs. Washington Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence