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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Chattanooga is 68% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,155/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 84%
$61,028/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 78%
$259,200 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 421%
$1,112/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 110%
182,832
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $972/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $11,664/year.

Median household income is $47,530/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Berkeley?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $972/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Berkeley?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $47,530/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and California?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Berkeley details →

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