Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Seattle is 165% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,998/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 44%
$121,984/yr ↑ 139%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 58%
$912,100 ↑ 326%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 77%
$2,220/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 52%
741,440
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $882/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $10,584/year.

Median household income is $70,990/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Seattle or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Knoxville?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $882/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Knoxville?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $70,990/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Tennessee?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Knoxville details →

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