Median rent is 19% lower in Knoxville ($1,116/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Knoxville, where the median home runs $214,000 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $50,994 a year). Taken together, Knoxville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.1 against 105.7 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Knoxville is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.1 in Knoxville vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Knoxville, TN
How much would you need to earn in Knoxville, TN to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Knoxville, TN
$68,216
You could earn $6,784 less (9% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Knoxville
Tennessee
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Knoxville at $1,116/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (19% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $214,000 in Knoxville — 32% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Knoxville a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 7.00% in Tennessee; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Knoxville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 59.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Knoxville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.1 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Knoxville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,116/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Knoxville?
Knoxville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.1 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Knoxville.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Knoxville?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,116/mo in Knoxville, TN. Knoxville, TN has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Knoxville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $50,994 in Knoxville, TN. Chicago, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 59.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Knoxville?
Tennessee has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $90,955 in Knoxville, TN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology