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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

San Francisco is 230% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$2,419/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 52%
$141,446/yr ↑ 132%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 57%
$1,380,500 ↑ 433%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 81%
$2,620/mo ↑ 136%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 58%
836,321
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,264/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $15,168/year.

Median household income is $80,418/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is San Francisco or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Chattanooga?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $1,264/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $80,418/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Chattanooga details →

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