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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Knoxville is 46% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,116/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 65%
$50,994/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 66%
$214,000 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 123%
$1,075/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 66%
193,721
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $726/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $8,712/year.

Median household income is $33,623/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Maria — common questions

Is Knoxville or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $726/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $33,623/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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