Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Chattanooga is 40% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,155/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 24%
$61,028/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 12%
$259,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 137%
$1,112/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 31%
182,832
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $7,350/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Chattanooga or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $7,350/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View East Los Angeles details →

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