Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
46% cheaper
Knoxville is 46% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $40,741 in Knoxville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Knoxville sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $240,000 in Knoxville, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,100 in Knoxville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while Knoxville scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Knoxville (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $42,898 in Knoxville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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