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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Knoxville is 66% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,116/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 99%
$50,994/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 104%
$214,000 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 388%
$1,075/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 118%
193,721
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,102/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $13,224/year.

Median household income is $52,784/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Knoxville or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Pasadena?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,102/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Pasadena?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $52,784/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Pasadena details →

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