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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Irvine is 216% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$2,893/mo ↑ 150%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 60%
$129,647/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 53%
$1,115,400 ↑ 330%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 77%
$2,904/mo ↑ 161%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 62%
308,160
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,738/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $20,856/year.

Median household income is $68,619/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Irvine or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $1,738/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $68,619/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Chattanooga details →

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