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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Santa Clarita is 143% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$2,486/mo ↑ 115%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 54%
$119,926/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 49%
$721,000 ↑ 178%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 64%
$2,649/mo ↑ 138%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 58%
229,021
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,331/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $15,972/year.

Median household income is $58,898/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $1,331/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $58,898/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Chattanooga details →

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