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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Knoxville is 76% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,116/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 167%
$50,994/yr ↓ 71%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 241%
$214,000 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 614%
$1,075/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 184%
193,721
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,869/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $22,428/year.

Median household income is $122,676/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Knoxville or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,869/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $122,676/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Santa Clara

Knoxville vs. Peoria Knoxville vs. Vancouver Knoxville vs. Huntington Beach Knoxville vs. Glendale Knoxville vs. Overland Park Knoxville vs. Providence Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville