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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Pomona

California
143

Knoxville is 48% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,116/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 56%
$50,994/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 55%
$214,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 166%
$1,075/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 64%
193,721
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $622/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $7,464/year.

Median household income is $27,875/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Pomona — common questions

Is Knoxville or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Pomona?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $622/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Pomona?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $27,875/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Pomona details →

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