Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Columbus is 15% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,072/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 8%
$56,622/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 8%
$182,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 42%
$1,064/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 5%
204,383
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $4,406/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Columbus or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $4,406/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Tennessee?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Chattanooga details →

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