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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Stockton is 55% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,495/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 25%
$76,851/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 34%
$412,900 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 48%
$1,555/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 31%
320,470
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $25,857/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 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

Stockton vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Stockton or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Knoxville?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Knoxville?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $25,857/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Knoxville details →

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