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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Torrance

California
218

Knoxville is 66% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,116/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 98%
$50,994/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 122%
$214,000 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 384%
$1,075/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 113%
193,721
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,098/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $13,176/year.

Median household income is $62,111/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Torrance — common questions

Is Knoxville or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Torrance?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $1,098/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Torrance?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $62,111/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

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