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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Oakland is 141% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,917/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 40%
$97,369/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 37%
$924,700 ↑ 257%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 72%
$2,164/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 49%
438,072
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $36,341/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Oakland or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $36,341/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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