Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Jacksonville is 14% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,375/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 16%
$66,981/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 9%
$266,100 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 3%
$1,324/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 16%
961,739
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $5,953/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $5,953/year higher in Jacksonville.
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 Jacksonville or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Chattanooga details →

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