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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Chattanooga is 87% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,155/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 89%
$61,028/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 100%
$259,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 133%
$1,112/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 100%
182,832
Population
177,221

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,025/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $12,300/year.

Median household income is $61,201/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,025/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $61,201/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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