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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Knoxville is 68% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,116/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 115%
$50,994/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 116%
$214,000 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 393%
$1,075/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 129%
193,721
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,279/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $15,348/year.

Median household income is $59,079/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Knoxville or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,279/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $59,079/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Costa Mesa

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria