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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Chattanooga is 21% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,155/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 39%
$61,028/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 34%
$259,200 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 4%
$1,112/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 39%
182,832
Population
109,157

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $20,770/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Chattanooga or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and South Fulton?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or South Fulton?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $20,770/year higher in South Fulton.
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 South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View South Fulton details →

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