Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Cincinnati is 15% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$953/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 21%
$51,707/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 18%
$215,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 20%
$1,041/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 7%
309,595
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $9,321/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $9,321/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Tennessee?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Chattanooga

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene