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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Chattanooga is 48% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,155/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 74%
$61,028/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 47%
$259,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 115%
$1,112/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 85%
182,832
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $858/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $10,296/year.

Median household income is $28,468/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Vallejo?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $858/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Vallejo?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $28,468/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Vallejo details →

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