Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Philadelphia is 15% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,323/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 16%
$60,698/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 16%
$232,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 8%
$1,233/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 13%
1,582,432
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $9,704/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Knoxville?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Knoxville?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $9,704/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Tennessee?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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