Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Chattanooga is 45% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,155/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 60%
$61,028/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 147%
$259,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 97%
$1,112/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 94%
182,832
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $697/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $8,364/year.

Median household income is $89,909/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Naperville — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Naperville?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $697/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Naperville?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $89,909/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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