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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Chattanooga is 58% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,155/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 84%
$61,028/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 71%
$259,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 232%
$1,112/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 102%
182,832
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $969/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $11,628/year.

Median household income is $43,191/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Fullerton?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $969/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Fullerton?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $43,191/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Fullerton

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren