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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Long Beach is 109% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,803/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 36%
$83,969/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 27%
$762,200 ↑ 194%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 66%
$1,890/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 41%
458,491
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $648/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $7,776/year.

Median household income is $22,941/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 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

Long Beach vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Long Beach or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $648/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $22,941/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Chattanooga details →

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