Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Chattanooga is 5% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,155/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 8%
$61,028/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$61,454/yr ≈ Same
$259,200 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 3%
$1,112/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 5%
182,832
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $426/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Lafayette?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Lafayette?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $426/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Louisiana?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Lafayette details →

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