Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Norman, OK (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Chattanooga is 7% more expensive than Norman.

$1,155/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 8%
$61,028/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 7%
$259,200 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 8%
$1,112/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ≈ Same
182,832
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $4,032/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Norman — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Norman?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Norman?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $4,032/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Oklahoma?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Norman details →

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