Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Akron is 26% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$930/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 24%
$48,544/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 26%
$111,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 133%
$904/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 23%
189,526
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $12,484/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Akron or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $12,484/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Tennessee?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/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.
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