Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Chattanooga is 8% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,155/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ≈ Same
$61,028/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 4%
$259,200 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 24%
$1,112/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↑ 6%
182,832
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,689/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Killeen — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Killeen?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Killeen?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $2,689/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Killeen

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale