Houston, TX vs Chattanooga, TN: 88 vs 81

$1,313/mo ↑ 14%

Median Rent

$1,155/mo ↓ 12%

$62,894/yr ↑ 3%

Median Income

$61,028/yr ↓ 3%

$253,400 ↓ 2%

Home Value

$259,200 ↑ 2%

$1,316/mo ↑ 18%

Owner Costs

$1,112/mo ↓ 16%

2,300,419

Population

182,832

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $1,866/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Houston or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 88 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Houston and Chattanooga?

Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $158/month.

Which city has higher income, Houston or Chattanooga?

Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $1,866/year higher in Houston.

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 Houston or Chattanooga?

It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.

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

Houston

Chattanooga

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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