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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Chattanooga is 64% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,155/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 107%
$61,028/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 80%
$259,200 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 307%
$1,112/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 121%
182,832
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,240/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $14,880/year.

Median household income is $49,045/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,240/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $49,045/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Costa Mesa details →

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