Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Chattanooga is 8% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,155/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 17%
$61,028/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 11%
$259,200 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 10%
$1,112/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 21%
182,832
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $6,730/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Hampton — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Hampton?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Hampton?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $6,730/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Virginia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

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