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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Knoxville is 57% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,116/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 87%
$50,994/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 91%
$214,000 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 220%
$1,075/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 98%
193,721
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $968/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $11,616/year.

Median household income is $46,416/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is Knoxville or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $968/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $46,416/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Knoxville and Santa Rosa

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