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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Ontario

California
152

Chattanooga is 71% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,155/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 66%
$61,028/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 36%
$259,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 119%
$1,112/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 77%
182,832
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $761/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $9,132/year.

Median household income is $21,778/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Ontario — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Ontario?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $761/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Ontario?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $21,778/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Ontario details →