Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Tampa is 53% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,567/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 29%
$71,302/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 28%
$375,300 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 43%
$1,553/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 31%
393,389
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $451/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $5,412/year.

Median household income is $20,308/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Tampa or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Knoxville?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $451/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Knoxville?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $20,308/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Tennessee?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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