Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Toledo is 30% cheaper than Knoxville.

$880/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 27%
$47,532/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↑ 7%
$107,000 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 100%
$856/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 26%
268,461
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $3,462/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Toledo or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Knoxville?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Knoxville?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $3,462/year higher in Knoxville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Tennessee?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Toledo and Knoxville

Toledo vs. Reno Toledo vs. Fort Wayne Toledo vs. North Las Vegas Toledo vs. Lubbock Toledo vs. Gilbert Toledo vs. St. Petersburg Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence