Chattanooga, TN vs Cary, NC: 81 vs 135

$1,155/mo ↓ 29%

Median Rent

$1,621/mo ↑ 40%

$61,028/yr ↓ 53%

Median Income

$129,399/yr ↑ 112%

$259,200 ↓ 51%

Home Value

$525,200 ↑ 103%

$1,112/mo ↓ 36%

Owner Costs

$1,744/mo ↑ 57%

182,832

Population

176,686

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $68,371/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Cary — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Cary cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 135 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Cary?

Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $466/month.

Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Cary?

Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $68,371/year higher in Cary.

How do taxes compare between Tennessee and North Carolina?

Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Chattanooga or Cary?

It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Cary, NC (2026)

Chattanooga

Cary

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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