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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Sacramento is 63% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,694/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 32%
$83,753/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 27%
$484,600 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 47%
$1,752/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 37%
524,802
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $539/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $6,468/year.

Median household income is $22,725/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Sacramento or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $539/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $22,725/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Chattanooga details →

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