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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Richmond

California
161

Chattanooga is 50% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,155/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 64%
$61,028/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 48%
$259,200 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 151%
$1,112/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 81%
182,832
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $29,010/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Richmond — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Richmond?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Richmond?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $29,010/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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