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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Modesto is 48% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,609/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 28%
$77,899/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 22%
$415,600 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 38%
$1,613/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 31%
218,614
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $16,871/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Modesto or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $16,871/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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