Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Durham is 30% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,412/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 18%
$79,234/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 23%
$355,300 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 27%
$1,434/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 22%
288,465
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $18,206/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Durham or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $18,206/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Chattanooga

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene