47
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
73
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Knoxville wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Knoxville wins 0–3 overall (73/100)
💰 Knoxville is more affordable
💼 Knoxville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Knoxville has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Knoxville — The Verdict
Knoxville scores 73.2/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Knoxville has a clear edge with home prices 78% lower. Knoxville has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.6%. For safety-conscious movers, Knoxville has a notably lower disaster history with 43 fewer declarations in 20 years. Knoxville may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Knoxville are 78% lower — a difference of $638,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Knoxville saves you $748/month — that's $8,976 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $27,935 more per year (58% higher median income).
📊
Knoxville has a 1.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Knoxville has experienced 43 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$184,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,043
Median Income
$76,244
$48,309
The affordability gap is significant — Knoxville offers home prices 78% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $638,400 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
3.6%
Knoxville has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.9 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
11
Knoxville has a markedly lower disaster history — 43 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Knoxville: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Knoxville is more affordable overall. Home prices are $638,400 lower in Knoxville. Monthly rent is $1,043 in Knoxville vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Knoxville have better weather?
Knoxville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Knoxville better for finding a job?
Knoxville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 3.6% in Knoxville. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $48,309 in Knoxville.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Knoxville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Knoxville is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Knoxville. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Knoxville.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Knoxville?
Based on our data, Knoxville scores 73.2/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Knoxville is more affordable, while Knoxville has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Knoxville?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.