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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Ventura

California
183

Knoxville is 60% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,116/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 88%
$50,994/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 97%
$214,000 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 264%
$1,075/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 97%
193,721
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $985/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $11,820/year.

Median household income is $49,413/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Ventura — common questions

Is Knoxville or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Ventura?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $985/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Ventura?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $49,413/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Ventura details →

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