Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
47% cheaper
Knoxville is 47% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $39,759 in Knoxville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $610,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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