63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
73
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Knoxville wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Knoxville wins 0–3 overall (73/100)
💰 Knoxville is more affordable
💼 Knoxville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Knoxville — The Verdict
Knoxville scores 73.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Knoxville has a clear edge with home prices 40% lower. Knoxville may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Knoxville are 40% lower — a difference of $120,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Knoxville saves you $271/month — that's $3,252 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $23,364 more per year (48% higher median income).
📊
Knoxville has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Knoxville has cleaner air with an AQI 27 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$184,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,043
Median Income
$71,673
$48,309
The affordability gap is significant — Knoxville offers home prices 40% lower than Chicago, translating to $120,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Knoxville having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Knoxville wins on air quality with an AQI 27 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Knoxville: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Knoxville is more affordable overall. Home prices are $120,300 lower in Knoxville. Monthly rent is $1,043 in Knoxville vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Knoxville have better weather?
Knoxville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Knoxville better for finding a job?
Knoxville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.6% in Knoxville. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $48,309 in Knoxville.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Knoxville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Knoxville. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Knoxville.
Should I move from Chicago to Knoxville?
Based on our data, Knoxville scores 73.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Knoxville is more affordable, while Knoxville has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Knoxville?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.