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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Columbus and Chattanooga have a similar cost of living.

$1,224/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 6%
$65,327/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 7%
$234,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 11%
$1,243/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 11%
906,480
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $4,299/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 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

Columbus vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Columbus or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $4,299/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Chattanooga

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene