Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Chattanooga is 42% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,155/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 18%
$61,028/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 14%
$259,200 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 50%
$1,112/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 17%
182,832
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $8,777/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Evansville — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Evansville?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Evansville?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $8,777/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Indiana?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Evansville

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow