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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Temecula

California
179

Chattanooga is 55% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,155/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 99%
$61,028/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 93%
$259,200 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 147%
$1,112/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 119%
182,832
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,142/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $13,704/year.

Median household income is $56,812/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Temecula — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Temecula?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $1,142/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Temecula?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $56,812/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Temecula details →

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