Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Chattanooga is 11% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,155/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 29%
$61,028/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 11%
$259,200 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 4%
$1,112/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 8%
182,832
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $6,493/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $6,493/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Florida?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Palm Bay

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock