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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Los Angeles is 131% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,879/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 39%
$80,366/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 24%
$879,500 ↑ 239%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 71%
$2,055/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 46%
3,857,897
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $724/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $8,688/year.

Median household income is $19,338/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $724/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $19,338/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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