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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Knoxville is 58% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,116/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 77%
$50,994/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 77%
$214,000 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 258%
$1,075/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 88%
193,721
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $855/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $10,260/year.

Median household income is $39,172/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $765,500 in Garden 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 Garden Grove — common questions

Is Knoxville or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $855/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $39,172/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Garden Grove

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins