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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Chattanooga is 11% cheaper than College Station.

$1,155/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 1%
$61,028/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 15%
$259,200 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 26%
$1,112/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 12%
182,832
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,252/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs College Station — common questions

Is Chattanooga or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and College Station?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or College Station?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $9,252/year higher in Chattanooga.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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