Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Salt Lake City is 58% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,343/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 17%
$74,925/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 32%
$495,700 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 57%
$1,394/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 23%
203,888
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $23,931/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Knoxville?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Knoxville?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $23,931/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Tennessee?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Knoxville details →

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