Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Chattanooga is 14% cheaper than Bridgeport.

$1,155/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 22%
$61,028/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 7%
$259,200 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 3%
$1,112/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↑ 33%
182,832
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $4,444/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 94 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $4,444/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Connecticut?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

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