Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Chattanooga is 8% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,155/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 7%
$61,028/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 44%
$259,200 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 4%
$1,112/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 32%
182,832
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $26,998/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Joliet — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Joliet 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 Joliet?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Joliet?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $26,998/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Joliet details →

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