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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Stockton is 42% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,495/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 23%
$76,851/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 21%
$412,900 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 37%
$1,555/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 28%
320,470
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $15,823/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 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

Stockton vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Stockton or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $15,823/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Chattanooga details →

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