Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Chattanooga is 19% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,155/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 18%
$61,028/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 10%
$259,200 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 16%
$1,112/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 12%
182,832
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $5,852/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $5,852/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New Mexico?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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