Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Chattanooga is 40% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,155/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 12%
$61,028/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 29%
$259,200 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 58%
$1,112/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 14%
182,832
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $17,790/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Mississippi's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Jackson — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Jackson?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Jackson?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $17,790/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Mississippi?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Jackson

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville