Quick answer
Knoxville costs $900/month less overall ($1,715 vs $2,615/mo). Knoxville also has lower state income tax (None vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Knoxville vs Long Beach
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Knoxville vs Long Beach at a Glance
| Metric | Knoxville | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,200 ✓ | $2,650 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 ✓ | $2,650 |
| Median Home Price | $280K ✓ | $825K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $150 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $365 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,715 ✓ | $2,615 |
| Walk Score | 34/100 | 76/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 22/100 | 72/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | 9.3% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Knoxville's 1BR averages $1,200/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $850/month difference, or $10,200/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Knoxville charges None state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $7,440/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Knoxville are $280K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $109,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Long Beach utilities run $15 more per month than Knoxville.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Knoxville, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Knoxville. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Knoxville
Humid subtropical; winters average 40°F, summers 85-88°F; 200+ sunny days/year
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Job Market
Knoxville top industries
Long Beach top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Knoxville if…
- →You're a Graduate students and academics (UT, Oak Ridge employment)
- →You're a Research scientists and engineers
- →You're a Remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts with proximity to Smoky Mountains
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Knoxville is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,715 in Knoxville vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $900/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Knoxville or Long Beach?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 34/100. Knoxville is more car-dependent.
Knoxville vs Long Beach: which has lower state income tax?
Knoxville has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $7,440/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Knoxville or Long Beach better for buying a home?
Knoxville has lower median home prices at $280K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $545,000 difference on the median home.