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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Los Angeles is 153% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,879/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 41%
$80,366/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 37%
$879,500 ↑ 311%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 76%
$2,055/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 48%
3,857,897
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $29,372/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Knoxville?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Knoxville?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $29,372/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Knoxville details →

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