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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Long Beach is 128% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,803/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 38%
$83,969/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 39%
$762,200 ↑ 256%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 72%
$1,890/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 43%
458,491
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $32,975/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Long Beach or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Knoxville?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Knoxville?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $32,975/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Knoxville details →

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