Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Rochester is 18% cheaper than Knoxville.

$1,039/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 7%
$46,628/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↑ 9%
$120,600 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 77%
$1,009/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 7%
209,720
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $4,366/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Rochester or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Knoxville?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Knoxville?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $4,366/year higher in Knoxville.
How do taxes compare between New York and Tennessee?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Knoxville details →

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