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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

San Bernardino is 35% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,433/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 19%
$63,988/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 5%
$384,900 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 33%
$1,478/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 25%
221,774
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $2,960/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 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

San Bernardino vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Chattanooga?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $2,960/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Chattanooga details →

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