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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Chattanooga is 41% cheaper than Allen.

$1,155/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 63%
$61,028/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 112%
$259,200 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 66%
$1,112/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 87%
182,832
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $722/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $8,664/year.

Median household income is $68,102/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Allen — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Allen?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $722/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Allen?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $68,102/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Allen details →

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