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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Garland is 19% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,525/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 24%
$74,717/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 18%
$248,900 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 4%
$1,445/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 23%
245,298
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $13,689/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Garland or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $13,689/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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