Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Scottsdale is 123% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,910/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 42%
$107,372/yr ↑ 111%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 53%
$709,900 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 70%
$1,824/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 41%
242,169
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $56,378/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Knoxville?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Knoxville?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $56,378/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Knoxville details →

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