Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Portland is 86% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,596/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 30%
$88,792/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 43%
$557,600 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 62%
$1,771/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 39%
642,715
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $37,798/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Portland or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Knoxville?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Knoxville?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $37,798/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Tennessee?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Knoxville details →

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