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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Chattanooga is 33% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,155/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 18%
$61,028/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 7%
$259,200 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 40%
$1,112/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 12%
182,832
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $4,509/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Springfield — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Springfield?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Springfield?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $4,509/year higher in Springfield.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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