Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Chattanooga is 37% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,155/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 14%
$61,028/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 25%
$259,200 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 52%
$1,112/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 12%
182,832
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $15,183/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Syracuse?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Syracuse?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $15,183/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New York?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Syracuse

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville