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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Spokane is 22% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,141/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 2%
$65,745/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 22%
$326,200 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 34%
$1,213/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 11%
229,228
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,751/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Spokane or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Knoxville?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Knoxville?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $14,751/year higher in Spokane.
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 Spokane or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Knoxville details →

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