Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Plano is 78% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,792/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 38%
$108,649/yr ↑ 113%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 53%
$440,600 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 51%
$1,829/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 41%
287,339
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $676/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $8,112/year.

Median household income is $57,655/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Plano or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Knoxville?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $676/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Knoxville?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $57,655/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Knoxville

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence