Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs High Point, NC (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Chattanooga is 11% more expensive than High Point.

$1,155/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 8%
$61,028/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$61,228/yr ≈ Same
$259,200 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 18%
$1,112/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 3%
182,832
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $200/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs High Point — common questions

Is Chattanooga or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and High Point?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or High Point?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $200/year higher in High Point.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and North Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

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