Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Chattanooga is 37% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,155/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 41%
$61,028/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 48%
$259,200 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 81%
$1,112/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 52%
182,832
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $29,010/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Charleston — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Charleston?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Charleston?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $29,010/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and South Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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