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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Arlington is 151% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$2,275/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 49%
$140,160/yr ↑ 130%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 56%
$864,800 ↑ 234%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 70%
$2,414/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 54%
235,463
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,120/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $13,440/year.

Median household income is $79,132/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $1,120/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $79,132/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Tennessee?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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