Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Tucson and Knoxville have a similar cost of living.

$1,079/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 3%
$54,546/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 7%
$242,200 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 12%
$1,076/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ≈ Same
543,348
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,552/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Tucson or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Knoxville?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Knoxville?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $3,552/year higher in Tucson.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Knoxville details →

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