Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
45% cheaper
Knoxville is 45% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $41,250 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $560,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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