Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Knoxville is 23% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $57,895 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 Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Stockton scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
Amazon affiliate links