Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Billings, MT (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Chattanooga is 6% cheaper than Billings.

$1,155/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 5%
$61,028/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 18%
$259,200 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 20%
$1,112/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 6%
182,832
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $10,827/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Billings — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Billings?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Billings?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $10,827/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Montana?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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