Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Chattanooga is 15% cheaper than New Haven.

$1,155/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 25%
$61,028/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 12%
$259,200 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 4%
$1,112/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 37%
182,832
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $7,257/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs New Haven — common questions

Is Chattanooga or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and New Haven?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or New Haven?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $7,257/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Connecticut?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View New Haven details →

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