Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Jersey City is 83% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,902/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 39%
$94,813/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 36%
$534,500 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 52%
$2,006/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 45%
289,691
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $33,785/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Jersey City or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $33,785/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Tennessee?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jersey City and Chattanooga

Jersey City vs. Lincoln Jersey City vs. Anchorage Jersey City vs. St. Louis Jersey City vs. Durham Jersey City vs. Greensboro Jersey City vs. Plano Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene