Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Bakersfield is 28% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,371/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 16%
$77,397/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 21%
$347,300 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 25%
$1,540/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 28%
408,366
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $16,369/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $16,369/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Chattanooga

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene