Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Chattanooga is 33% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,155/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 18%
$61,028/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 4%
$259,200 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 42%
$1,112/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 9%
182,832
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $2,312/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Peoria — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Peoria?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Peoria?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $2,312/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

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