Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Chattanooga is 43% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $43,065 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 Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $445,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chattanooga scores 94 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Long Beach (103).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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