Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Chattanooga is 28% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,155/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 27%
$61,028/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 5%
$259,200 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 52%
$1,112/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 39%
182,832
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $2,846/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $2,846/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New Jersey?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Elizabeth details →

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