Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Knoxville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 52.3% more expensive than Knoxville, TN. This translates to spending an extra $3920 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Knoxville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Knoxville, TN, you'd need approximately $197,045.442 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Knoxville, TN and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 119.6% more expensive than in Knoxville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Knoxville, TN to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $3920 more per month than Knoxville, TN, or $47045 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Knoxville, TN vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Knoxville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.9K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $197.0K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Knoxville, TN area

Overall Cost

↑ 52.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,920

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$47.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$369K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

152

(52% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Knoxville, TN

The Volunteer State

198K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 198K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Knoxville, TN vs San Diego, CA

Category	Knoxville, TN	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,378/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,845more	119.6%
Transportation	$1,236/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $335more	27.1%
Other	$1,668/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $223more	13.4%
All Utilities	$468/mo	$634/mo	↑ $165more	35.3%
Groceries	$967/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $112more	11.6%
Healthcare	$556/mo	$638/mo	↑ $82.11more	14.8%

Housing

↑ 119.6%

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,845

Transportation

↑ 27.1%

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$335

Other

↑ 13.4%

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$223

All Utilities

↑ 35.3%

Knoxville, TN

$468

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$165

Groceries

↑ 11.6%

Knoxville, TN

$967

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$112

Healthcare

↑ 14.8%

Knoxville, TN

$556

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$82.11

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,200

To$2,565

↑ $1,365

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$2,755

↑ $1,555

2 Bed

From$1,495

To$3,360

↑ $1,865

3 Bed

From$1,891

To$4,475

↑ $2,584

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,763

Difference

Home Values

Knoxville

San Diego

$369K

Median Value

$980K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +64.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$196K - $638K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 166% more expensive than Knoxville

Calculate payment - Knoxville Calculate payment - San Diego

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$886

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Knoxville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Knoxville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.