71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
73
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Knoxville wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Knoxville wins 1–2 overall (73/100)
💰 Knoxville is more affordable
💼 Knoxville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Knoxville has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Knoxville — The Verdict
Knoxville scores 73.2/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Knoxville has a clear edge with home prices 22% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Knoxville has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years. Knoxville may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Knoxville are 22% lower — a difference of $50,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Knoxville saves you $192/month — that's $2,304 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $12,131 more per year (25% higher median income).
📊
Knoxville has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 21 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Knoxville has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$184,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,043
Median Income
$60,440
$48,309
The affordability gap is significant — Knoxville offers home prices 22% lower than Houston, translating to $50,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
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)
12
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 21 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)
21
11
Knoxville has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Knoxville: Common Questions
Is Houston or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Knoxville is more affordable overall. Home prices are $50,800 lower in Knoxville. Monthly rent is $1,043 in Knoxville vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Knoxville have better weather?
Knoxville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Knoxville better for finding a job?
Knoxville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.6% in Knoxville. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $48,309 in Knoxville.
Which city is safer — Houston or Knoxville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Knoxville is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Knoxville. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Knoxville.
Should I move from Houston to Knoxville?
Based on our data, Knoxville scores 73.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Knoxville is more affordable, while Knoxville has a better climate.
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📊 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.