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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Knoxville is 67% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,116/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 131%
$50,994/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 163%
$214,000 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 344%
$1,075/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 154%
193,721
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,464/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $17,568/year.

Median household income is $83,373/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Knoxville or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,464/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $83,373/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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