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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Chattanooga is 41% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,155/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 59%
$61,028/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 39%
$259,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 84%
$1,112/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 61%
182,832
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $23,589/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $23,589/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Santa Maria details →

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