Chattanooga, TN vs Lowell, MA: 81 vs 119

$1,155/mo ↓ 28%

Median Rent

$1,603/mo ↑ 39%

$61,028/yr ↓ 20%

Median Income

$76,205/yr ↑ 25%

$259,200 ↓ 34%

Home Value

$395,100 ↑ 52%

$1,112/mo ↓ 33%

Owner Costs

$1,672/mo ↑ 50%

182,832

Population

114,799

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $15,177/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Lowell — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Lowell cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 119 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Lowell?

Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $448/month.

Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Lowell?

Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $15,177/year higher in Lowell.

How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Massachusetts?

Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.

Should I move to Chattanooga or Lowell?

It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Chattanooga

Lowell

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons