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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Orange

California
206

Chattanooga is 61% cheaper than Orange.

$1,155/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 95%
$61,028/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 92%
$259,200 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 247%
$1,112/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 115%
182,832
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,097/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $13,164/year.

Median household income is $55,917/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Orange — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Orange?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,097/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Orange?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $55,917/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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