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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Hayward

California
200

Chattanooga is 60% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,155/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 104%
$61,028/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 86%
$259,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 217%
$1,112/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 118%
182,832
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,205/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $14,460/year.

Median household income is $52,747/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Hayward — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Hayward?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,205/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Hayward?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $52,747/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Hayward

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro