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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Richmond

California
161

Knoxville is 54% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,116/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 70%
$50,994/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 77%
$214,000 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 204%
$1,075/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 87%
193,721
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $779/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $9,348/year.

Median household income is $39,044/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Richmond — common questions

Is Knoxville or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Richmond?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $779/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Richmond?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $39,044/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Richmond details →

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