Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Knoxville is 45% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,116/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 28%
$50,994/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 34%
$214,000 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 187%
$1,075/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 36%
193,721
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $17,384/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Knoxville or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $17,384/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View East Los Angeles details →

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