Median rent is 41% lower in Knoxville ($1,116/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Knoxville, where the median home runs $214,000 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $50,994 a year). Taken together, Knoxville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.1 against 113.3 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Knoxville is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.1 in Knoxville vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Knoxville, TN
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Knoxville, TN?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$88,388
You'd need $13,388 more (18% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Knoxville
Tennessee
Los Angeles
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Knoxville — median rent of $1,116/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $214,000 in Knoxville — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Knoxville a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Tennessee and 7.25% in California; Knoxville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Knoxville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Knoxville has cleaner air on average: 59.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Knoxville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.1 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Knoxville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,116/mo median).
Pick Knoxville if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 59.0).
Is Knoxville cheaper than Los Angeles?
Knoxville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.1 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Knoxville.
How much is rent in Knoxville vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,116/mo in Knoxville, TN and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Knoxville, TN has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Knoxville or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville, TN and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Knoxville, TN has better air quality on average: 59.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Knoxville or Los Angeles?
Tennessee has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Knoxville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Knoxville, TN is equivalent to roughly $117,851 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology