Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Washington is 131% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,900/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 41%
$106,287/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 52%
$724,600 ↑ 239%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 70%
$2,103/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 49%
672,079
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $784/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $9,408/year.

Median household income is $55,293/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Washington or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Knoxville?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $784/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Knoxville?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $55,293/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Tennessee?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Knoxville details →

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