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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Pittsburgh and Knoxville have a similar cost of living.

$1,221/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 9%
$64,137/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 20%
$193,200 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 11%
$1,136/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 5%
303,620
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $13,143/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 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

Pittsburgh vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Knoxville?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Knoxville?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $13,143/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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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