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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Chattanooga is 76% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,155/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 165%
$61,028/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 198%
$259,200 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 601%
$1,112/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 171%
182,832
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,910/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $22,920/year.

Median household income is $120,834/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,910/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $120,834/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Sunnyvale details →

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