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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Fontana is 80% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,733/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 33%
$98,187/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 38%
$558,500 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 54%
$1,990/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 44%
211,921
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $37,159/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 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

Fontana vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Fontana or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $37,159/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Chattanooga details →

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