Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Chattanooga is 36% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,155/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 66%
$61,028/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 53%
$259,200 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 53%
$1,112/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 43%
182,832
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $32,343/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Surprise — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Surprise?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Surprise?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $32,343/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Arizona?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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