Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Arlington is 17% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,389/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 17%
$73,519/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 17%
$276,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 6%
$1,420/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 22%
394,769
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $12,491/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Arlington or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $12,491/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Chattanooga details →

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