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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Glendale

California
214

Knoxville is 140% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,116/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 88%
$50,994/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 65%
$214,000 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 388%
$1,075/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 106%
193,721
Population
192,270

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $979/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $11,748/year.

Median household income is $33,268/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Glendale — common questions

Is Knoxville or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Glendale?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $979/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Glendale?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $33,268/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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