Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Chattanooga is 11% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,155/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 13%
$61,028/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 20%
$259,200 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 9%
$1,112/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 7%
182,832
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $12,492/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $12,492/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Alabama?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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