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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Cleveland is 37% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$894/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 29%
$39,187/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 56%
$94,100 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 175%
$866/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 28%
367,523
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $21,841/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 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

Cleveland vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Cleveland or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $21,841/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 Cleveland or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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.
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