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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

San Diego is 166% more expensive than Knoxville.

$2,223/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 50%
$104,321/yr ↑ 105%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 51%
$848,500 ↑ 296%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 75%
$2,308/mo ↑ 115%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 53%
1,385,061
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,107/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $13,284/year.

Median household income is $53,327/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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 Diego vs Knoxville — common questions

Is San Diego or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Knoxville?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $1,107/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Knoxville?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $53,327/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Knoxville details →

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