Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Lexington and Chattanooga have a similar cost of living.

$1,101/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 5%
$67,631/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 10%
$272,100 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 5%
$1,160/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 4%
321,122
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $6,603/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Lexington or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $6,603/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Tennessee?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Chattanooga details →

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