Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Chattanooga is 68% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,155/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 117%
$61,028/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 164%
$259,200 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 364%
$1,112/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 133%
182,832
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,350/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $16,200/year.

Median household income is $100,272/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Bellevue?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,350/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Bellevue?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $100,272/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Washington?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Bellevue

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