Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Chattanooga is 42% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,155/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 55%
$61,028/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 132%
$259,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 85%
$1,112/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 80%
182,832
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $637/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $7,644/year.

Median household income is $80,325/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Chattanooga or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $637/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $80,325/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and The Woodlands

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan