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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

San Bernardino is 47% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,433/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 22%
$63,988/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 20%
$384,900 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 44%
$1,478/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 27%
221,774
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $12,994/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 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

San Bernardino vs Knoxville — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Knoxville?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Knoxville?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $12,994/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Knoxville details →

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