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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

San Diego is 143% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$2,223/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 48%
$104,321/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 41%
$848,500 ↑ 227%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 69%
$2,308/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 52%
1,385,061
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,068/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $12,816/year.

Median household income is $43,293/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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

San Diego vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is San Diego or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Chattanooga?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $1,068/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $43,293/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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