Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Phoenix is 47% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,458/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 23%
$77,041/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 34%
$381,900 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 44%
$1,430/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 25%
1,624,832
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $26,047/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Phoenix or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Knoxville?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Knoxville?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $26,047/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Knoxville details →

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