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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Chattanooga is 54% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,155/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 102%
$61,028/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 80%
$259,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 134%
$1,112/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 114%
182,832
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,175/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $14,100/year.

Median household income is $48,752/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Murrieta?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,175/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Murrieta?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $48,752/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Murrieta details →

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