Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Chattanooga is 23% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,155/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 33%
$61,028/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 6%
$259,200 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 26%
$1,112/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 27%
182,832
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $3,412/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Clearwater?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Clearwater?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $3,412/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Florida?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Clearwater

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