Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Reno is 65% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,453/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 23%
$78,448/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 35%
$498,600 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 57%
$1,482/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 27%
268,959
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $27,454/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Reno or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Knoxville?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Knoxville?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $27,454/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Tennessee?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Knoxville details →

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