Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)
Fort Lauderdale
Florida
132
VS
Chattanooga
Tennessee
81
Fort Lauderdale is 51% more expensive than Chattanooga.
$1,776/mo
↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo
↓ 35%
$79,935/yr
↑ 31%
Median Income
$61,028/yr
↓ 24%
$455,600
↑ 76%
Home Value
$259,200
↓ 43%
$1,778/mo
↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo
↓ 37%
183,032
Population
182,832
Tax Comparison
0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.64%
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income
Detailed Comparison
When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are
132 and 81 respectively
(national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $7,452/year.
Median household income is $18,907/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600
compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fort Lauderdale vs Chattanooga — common questions
Is Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $621/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $18,907/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Tennessee?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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.