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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Glendale is 164% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$2,095/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 45%
$84,262/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 28%
$1,043,900 ↑ 303%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 75%
$2,212/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 50%
192,270
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $940/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $11,280/year.

Median household income is $23,234/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 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

Glendale vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Glendale or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $940/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $23,234/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Chattanooga details →

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