Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Boston is 117% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$2,093/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 45%
$94,755/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 36%
$710,400 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 64%
$2,176/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 49%
663,972
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $33,727/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Boston or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $33,727/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Tennessee?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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