Jackson, TN vs Knoxville, TN

Jackson, TN and Knoxville, TN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.9% difference in their overall index. Jackson scores 80 while Knoxville scores 84 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Jackson is $1,094/month compared to $1,116/month in Knoxville — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Jackson is more affordable at $195,000 median vs $214,000.

Median household income in Jackson is $51,552 compared to $50,994 in Knoxville (+1.1%). Jackson offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Jackson spend roughly 25.5% of their income on rent, less than the 26.3% in Knoxville.