Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Chicago is 23% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,380/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 16%
$75,134/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 19%
$315,200 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 18%
$1,502/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 26%
2,707,648
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $14,106/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Chicago or Chattanooga 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 Chicago and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $14,106/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Tennessee?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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