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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Moreno Valley is 95% more expensive than Knoxville.

$2,036/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 45%
$87,477/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 42%
$461,400 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 54%
$1,980/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 46%
210,378
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $920/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $11,040/year.

Median household income is $36,483/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 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

Moreno Valley vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Knoxville?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $920/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Knoxville?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $36,483/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Moreno Valley or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

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