Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
50% cheaper
Chattanooga is 50% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $37,500 in Chattanooga.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Irvine sits at 294 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $1,050,000 in Irvine, a difference of $795,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $3,000 in Irvine.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chattanooga scores 94 while Irvine scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Irvine (109).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $108,038 in Irvine. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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