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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Chattanooga is 37% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,155/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 58%
$61,028/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 58%
$259,200 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 56%
$1,112/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 62%
182,832
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $35,229/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Richardson — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Richardson?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $670/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Richardson?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $35,229/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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