Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Memphis is 16% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,123/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 3%
$51,211/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 19%
$157,100 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 65%
$1,087/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 2%
629,063
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,817/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Memphis or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $9,817/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Tennessee?
Both cities are in Tennessee and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Chattanooga

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene