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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Chula Vista is 120% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$2,122/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 46%
$105,173/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 42%
$697,400 ↑ 169%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 63%
$2,342/mo ↑ 111%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 53%
275,030
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $967/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $11,604/year.

Median household income is $44,145/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $967/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $44,145/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Chattanooga details →

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