Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Knoxville is 21% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $58,929 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 Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Modesto scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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