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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Knoxville is 40% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,116/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 52%
$50,994/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 49%
$214,000 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 91%
$1,075/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 62%
193,721
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $25,089/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Knoxville or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Lancaster?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $580/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Lancaster?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $25,089/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Lancaster

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale