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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Fresno is 25% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,324/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 13%
$66,804/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 9%
$348,500 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 26%
$1,391/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 20%
543,615
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $5,776/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Fresno or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $5,776/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Chattanooga details →

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