Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Baltimore is 4% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,290/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 10%
$59,623/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 2%
$219,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 18%
$1,333/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 17%
577,193
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $1,405/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Baltimore or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $1,405/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Tennessee?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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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More Comparisons

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