Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Orlando is 55% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,650/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 32%
$69,268/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 26%
$359,000 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 40%
$1,621/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 34%
311,732
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $18,274/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Orlando or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Knoxville?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Knoxville?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $18,274/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Tennessee?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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.
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