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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Chattanooga is 54% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,155/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 71%
$61,028/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 48%
$259,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 195%
$1,112/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 81%
182,832
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $816/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $9,792/year.

Median household income is $29,138/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $765,500 in Garden 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 Garden Grove — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $816/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $29,138/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

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