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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Riverside is 95% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,812/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 38%
$88,575/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 42%
$542,100 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 61%
$1,880/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 43%
316,241
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $37,581/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 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

Riverside vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Riverside 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 Riverside and Knoxville?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Knoxville?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $37,581/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Knoxville details →

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