Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Chattanooga and Lakeland have a similar cost of living.

$1,155/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 12%
$61,028/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,947/yr ≈ Same
$259,200 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 12%
$1,112/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 3%
182,832
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $81/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Lakeland?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Lakeland?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $81/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Florida?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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