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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Chattanooga is 51% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,155/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 90%
$61,028/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 68%
$259,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 129%
$1,112/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 100%
182,832
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,036/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $12,432/year.

Median household income is $41,293/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Fairfield?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,036/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Fairfield?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $41,293/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Fairfield details →

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