Cost of Living Comparison for Chattanooga, TN
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Chattanooga's cost of living index is 92 — 8% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Chattanooga Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Chattanooga stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $270,000 | $420,800 | -35.8% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,100 | $1,713 | -35.8% |
| Median Household Income | $57,800 | $74,580 | -22.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.69% | 1.10% | -37.3% |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Chattanooga Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 580,000
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Avg Commute
- 22 min
- Median Age
- 37
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 20.5x
- Annual Property Tax
- $1,863
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Tennessee Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Chattanooga
What is the median home price in Chattanooga, TN?
The median home price in Chattanooga is $270,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Chattanooga?
Median monthly rent in Chattanooga is $1,100. That works out to $13,200/year, or 23% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Chattanooga affordable?
Chattanooga's cost of living index is 92 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $57,800/year and a median home price of $270,000, the price-to-income ratio is 4.7x. Chattanooga falls in the middle of the affordability spectrum for US cities.
What is the property tax rate in Chattanooga?
The effective property tax rate in Chattanooga is 0.69% of assessed value. On the median home of $270,000, that's roughly $1,863/year ($155/month).