Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Knoxville is 43% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $42,581 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 Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $460,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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