Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Omaha is 8% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,150/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 3%
$72,708/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 30%
$230,100 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 7%
$1,249/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 14%
488,197
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,714/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Omaha or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Knoxville?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Knoxville?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $21,714/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Tennessee?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Omaha and Knoxville

Omaha vs. Atlanta Omaha vs. Colorado Springs Omaha vs. Mesa Omaha vs. Raleigh Omaha vs. Kansas City Omaha vs. Long Beach Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence