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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Sacramento is 78% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,694/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 34%
$83,753/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 39%
$484,600 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 56%
$1,752/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 39%
524,802
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $32,759/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Sacramento or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Knoxville?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Knoxville?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $32,759/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Knoxville details →

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