Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Atlanta is 51% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,617/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 29%
$81,938/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 26%
$420,600 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 38%
$1,695/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 34%
499,287
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $20,910/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Atlanta or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $20,910/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Tennessee?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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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