Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Chattanooga is 62% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,155/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 25%
$61,028/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 29%
$259,200 ↑ 178%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 64%
$1,112/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 25%
182,832
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $17,574/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Dayton — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Dayton?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Dayton?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $17,574/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Ohio?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Dayton details →

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