Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Knoxville to Los Angeles
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Los Angeles has higher median household income ($81,939 vs $54,039) and higher housing costs (rent $1,933 vs $1,191; home value $921,200 vs $239,700) than Knoxville. Knoxville offers lower housing burden relative to income but has a longer commute (22 vs 33 minutes one-way). Los Angeles applies a 9.30% state income tax in the model, while Knoxville’s state tax is excluded per data boundaries. The trade-off involves weighing income gains against elevated costs and tax in LA versus Knoxville’s affordability and shorter commute.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Los Angeles → KnoxvilleMoving from Knoxville to Los Angeles
Median Rent Impact
+$742/mo
Moving to Los Angeles costs ~$8,904 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+9.3%
~$9,300 more state tax on a $100k salary in California.
Daily Commute Difference
+11 min / day
Difference of ~92 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
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Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTKNO → LAX
37/ 100
The offer needs work
The destination absorbs more of the offer.Estimated annual life delta−$6,936after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainA large labor market with a household-income benchmark above New York's
Watch closelyA $921,200 ownership benchmark and a conservative marginal California tax reference
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Knoxville is about $8,904 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Knoxville household income$54,039
Los Angeles household income$81,939
Knoxville gross rent$1,191
Los Angeles gross rent$1,933
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Knoxville | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 195,185 | 3,857,263 |
| Median household income | $54,039 | $81,939 |
| Median gross rent | $1,191 | $1,933 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $239,700 | $921,200 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 9.3% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 22 minutes in Knoxville and 33 minutes in Los Angeles. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income
- Median gross rent
- Median owner-occupied home value
- One-way commute time
- State individual income tax (modeled)
- Uniform non-housing baseline
What each city wins
Knoxville
Rent-to-income ratio is near typical affordability benchmarks.. Watch lower home values may reflect trade-offs in job access or amenities..
Los Angeles
A large labor market with a household-income benchmark above New York's. Watch a $921,200 ownership benchmark and a conservative marginal california tax reference.
Frequently asked questions
How does housing affordability compare between Knoxville and Los Angeles?
Knoxville’s median gross rent is $1,191 and median home value is $239,700, while Los Angeles reports $1,933 in rent and $921,200 in home value. Despite LA’s higher income, housing costs consume a larger share of earnings, making Knoxville more affordable on a relative basis.
What is the trade-off between income and commute in these cities?
Los Angeles residents earn significantly more ($81,939 vs $54,039) but face longer commutes (33 vs 22 minutes one-way). Knoxville offers shorter travel times but lower income, presenting a choice between time and earnings that depends on individual priorities.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.