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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Chattanooga is 91% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,155/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 80%
$61,028/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 60%
$259,200 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 164%
$1,112/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 92%
182,832
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $929/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $11,148/year.

Median household income is $36,382/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $929/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $36,382/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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