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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Knoxville is 58% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,116/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 109%
$50,994/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 115%
$214,000 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 184%
$1,075/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 121%
193,721
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,214/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $14,568/year.

Median household income is $58,786/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Knoxville or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Murrieta?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,214/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Murrieta?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $58,786/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Murrieta details →

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