Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

St. Paul is 23% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,248/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 11%
$73,055/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 30%
$280,300 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 24%
$1,390/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 23%
307,762
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $22,061/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Knoxville — common questions

Is St. Paul or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Knoxville?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Knoxville?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $22,061/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Tennessee?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Knoxville details →

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