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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Fremont is 276% more expensive than Knoxville.

$2,905/mo ↑ 160%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 62%
$176,350/yr ↑ 246%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 71%
$1,289,400 ↑ 503%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 83%
$3,000/mo ↑ 179%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 64%
228,518
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,789/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $21,468/year.

Median household income is $125,356/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 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

Fremont vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Fremont or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Knoxville?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $1,789/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Knoxville?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $125,356/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Knoxville

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