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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Modesto is 62% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,609/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 31%
$77,899/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 35%
$415,600 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 49%
$1,613/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 33%
218,614
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $26,905/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Modesto or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Knoxville?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Knoxville?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $26,905/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

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