Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Raleigh is 49% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,468/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 24%
$82,424/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 38%
$377,800 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 43%
$1,487/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 28%
470,763
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $31,430/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Raleigh or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Knoxville?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Knoxville?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $31,430/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Knoxville details →

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