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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Austin is 65% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,655/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 30%
$91,461/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 33%
$512,700 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 49%
$1,747/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 36%
967,862
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $30,433/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Austin or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $30,433/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Chattanooga details →

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