Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Bakersfield is 41% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,371/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 19%
$77,397/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 34%
$347,300 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 38%
$1,540/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 30%
408,366
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $26,403/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Knoxville?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Knoxville?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $26,403/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Knoxville details →

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