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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Chattanooga is 19% cheaper than Denton.

$1,155/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↑ 16%
$61,028/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↑ 21%
$259,200 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$325,700 ↑ 26%
$1,112/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 31%
182,832
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $12,691/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Denton — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Denton?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Denton?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $12,691/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

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