Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Chattanooga is 53% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,155/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 76%
$61,028/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 86%
$259,200 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 169%
$1,112/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 95%
182,832
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $876/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $10,512/year.

Median household income is $52,610/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Alexandria?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $876/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Alexandria?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $52,610/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Virginia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Alexandria details →

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