Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Chattanooga is 24% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,155/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 26%
$61,028/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 12%
$259,200 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 29%
$1,112/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 40%
182,832
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $7,262/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Paterson — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Paterson?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Paterson?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $7,262/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New Jersey?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Paterson details →

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