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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Chattanooga is 64% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,155/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 123%
$61,028/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 120%
$259,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 267%
$1,112/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 145%
182,832
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,425/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $17,100/year.

Median household income is $73,339/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,425/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $73,339/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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