Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Chattanooga is 32% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,155/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 48%
$61,028/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 13%
$259,200 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 43%
$1,112/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 50%
182,832
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $554/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $6,648/year.

Median household income is $8,233/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Chattanooga or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $554/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $8,233/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Florida?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and West Palm Beach

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings