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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Chattanooga is 35% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,155/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 47%
$61,028/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 25%
$259,200 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 58%
$1,112/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 57%
182,832
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $15,055/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Lancaster?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Lancaster?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $15,055/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Lancaster details →

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