Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Madison is 27% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,364/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 15%
$76,983/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 21%
$346,900 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 25%
$1,476/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 25%
275,568
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $15,955/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Madison or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $15,955/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Tennessee?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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.
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