Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Chattanooga is 4% cheaper than Savannah.

$1,155/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↑ 13%
$61,028/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 7%
$259,200 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 13%
$1,112/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↑ 13%
182,832
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $4,246/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Savannah — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Savannah?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Savannah?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $4,246/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Georgia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Savannah has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,302/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Savannah details →

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