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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Knoxville is 71% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,116/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 91%
$50,994/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 113%
$214,000 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 531%
$1,075/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 118%
193,721
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,011/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $12,132/year.

Median household income is $57,564/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Knoxville or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Berkeley?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,011/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Berkeley?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $57,564/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and California?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Berkeley details →

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