Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Chattanooga is 8% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,155/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ≈ Same
$61,028/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 20%
$259,200 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 19%
$1,112/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 7%
182,832
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,228/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Metairie — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Metairie?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Metairie?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $12,228/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Louisiana?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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