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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Chattanooga is 14% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,155/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 4%
$61,028/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 3%
$259,200 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 31%
$1,112/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
182,832
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,692/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Abilene — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Abilene?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Abilene?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $1,692/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Abilene

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland