Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Fort Worth is 20% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,412/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 18%
$76,602/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 20%
$277,300 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 7%
$1,489/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 25%
941,311
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $15,574/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $15,574/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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 Fort Worth details → View Chattanooga details →

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