Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Chattanooga and Allentown have a similar cost of living.

$1,155/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 10%
$61,028/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 12%
$259,200 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 27%
$1,112/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 12%
182,832
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $7,625/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Allentown — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Allentown?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Allentown?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $7,625/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Pennsylvania?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Allentown details →

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