Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Mesa is 32% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,478/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 22%
$78,779/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 23%
$364,300 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 29%
$1,404/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 21%
507,478
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $17,751/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Mesa or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $17,751/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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