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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Chattanooga is 30% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,155/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 45%
$61,028/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 62%
$259,200 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 36%
$1,112/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 52%
182,832
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $38,087/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Carrollton?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Carrollton?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $38,087/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Carrollton

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman