Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Worcester is 41% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,415/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 21%
$67,544/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 25%
$339,500 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 37%
$1,521/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 29%
205,501
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $16,550/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Worcester or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Knoxville?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Knoxville?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $16,550/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Tennessee?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Knoxville details →

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