Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Chattanooga is 19% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,155/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 14%
$61,028/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 5%
$259,200 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 35%
$1,112/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 23%
182,832
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $2,872/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Wilmington?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Wilmington?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $2,872/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and North Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Wilmington details →

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