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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Fresno is 36% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,324/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 16%
$66,804/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 24%
$348,500 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 39%
$1,391/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 23%
543,615
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $15,810/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Fresno or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Knoxville?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Knoxville?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $15,810/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Knoxville details →

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