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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Chattanooga and Odessa have a similar cost of living.

$1,155/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 14%
$61,028/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 20%
$259,200 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 20%
$1,112/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 12%
182,832
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $12,002/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Odessa — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Odessa?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Odessa?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $12,002/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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