Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Chattanooga is 38% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,155/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 48%
$61,028/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 62%
$259,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 87%
$1,112/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 45%
182,832
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $37,658/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Meridian — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Meridian?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Meridian?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $37,658/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Idaho?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Meridian

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord