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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Chattanooga is 63% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,155/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 92%
$61,028/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 70%
$259,200 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 303%
$1,112/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 110%
182,832
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,063/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $12,756/year.

Median household income is $42,750/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Pasadena?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,063/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Pasadena?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $42,750/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Pasadena details →

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