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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Santa Ana is 120% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,975/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 43%
$88,354/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 42%
$657,800 ↑ 207%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 67%
$1,965/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 45%
311,639
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $859/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $10,308/year.

Median household income is $37,360/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Knoxville?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $859/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Knoxville?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $37,360/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

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