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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Santa Ana is 101% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,975/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 42%
$88,354/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 31%
$657,800 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 61%
$1,965/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 43%
311,639
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $820/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $9,840/year.

Median household income is $27,326/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $820/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $27,326/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Chattanooga details →

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