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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Tacoma is 70% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,597/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 30%
$83,857/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 39%
$454,600 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 53%
$1,747/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 38%
220,482
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $32,863/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Tacoma or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Knoxville?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Knoxville?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $32,863/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tacoma and Knoxville

Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence