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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Chula Vista is 141% more expensive than Knoxville.

$2,122/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 47%
$105,173/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 52%
$697,400 ↑ 226%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 69%
$2,342/mo ↑ 118%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 54%
275,030
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,006/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $12,072/year.

Median household income is $54,179/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 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

Chula Vista vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Knoxville?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $1,006/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Knoxville?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $54,179/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Knoxville details →

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