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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Chattanooga is 23% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,155/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 12%
$61,028/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 1%
$259,200 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 33%
$1,112/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 10%
182,832
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $863/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs McAllen — common questions

Is Chattanooga or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and McAllen?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or McAllen?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $863/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and McAllen

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance