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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Chattanooga is 9% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,155/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 22%
$61,028/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 18%
$259,200 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 13%
$1,112/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 24%
182,832
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $10,815/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Mesquite?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Mesquite?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $10,815/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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