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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Fontana is 97% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,733/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 36%
$98,187/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 48%
$558,500 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 62%
$1,990/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 46%
211,921
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $47,193/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 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

Fontana vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Fontana or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Knoxville?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Knoxville?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $47,193/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Knoxville details →

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