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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Fremont is 243% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$2,905/mo ↑ 152%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 60%
$176,350/yr ↑ 189%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 65%
$1,289,400 ↑ 397%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 80%
$3,000/mo ↑ 170%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 63%
228,518
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,750/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $21,000/year.

Median household income is $115,322/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 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

Fremont vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Fremont or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $1,750/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $115,322/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Chattanooga details →

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