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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Ontario

California
152

Knoxville is 51% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,116/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 72%
$50,994/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 62%
$214,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 165%
$1,075/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 83%
193,721
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $800/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $9,600/year.

Median household income is $31,812/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Ontario — common questions

Is Knoxville or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Ontario?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $800/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Ontario?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $31,812/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Ontario

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa