Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Chattanooga is 13% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,155/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 14%
$61,028/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 44%
$259,200 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 11%
$1,112/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 20%
182,832
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $26,739/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Rochester — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Rochester?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Rochester?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $26,739/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Minnesota?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Rochester details →

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