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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Irvine is 246% more expensive than Knoxville.

$2,893/mo ↑ 159%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 61%
$129,647/yr ↑ 154%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 61%
$1,115,400 ↑ 421%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 81%
$2,904/mo ↑ 170%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 63%
308,160
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,777/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $21,324/year.

Median household income is $78,653/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Irvine or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Knoxville?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $1,777/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Knoxville?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $78,653/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Knoxville details →

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