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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Knoxville is 56% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,116/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 95%
$50,994/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 140%
$214,000 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 182%
$1,075/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 107%
193,721
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,064/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $12,768/year.

Median household income is $71,235/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Knoxville or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,064/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $71,235/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Elk Grove

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