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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Louisville is 9% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,069/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 8%
$64,731/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 6%
$221,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 17%
$1,118/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ≈ Same
627,210
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $3,703/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 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

Louisville vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Louisville or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $3,703/year higher in Louisville.
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 Louisville or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Chattanooga details →

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