Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Miami is 59% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,657/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 30%
$59,390/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 3%
$475,200 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 45%
$1,666/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 33%
446,663
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $502/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $6,024/year.

Median household income is $1,638/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Miami or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $502/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $1,638/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Tennessee?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Miami and Chattanooga

Miami vs. Virginia Beach Miami vs. Oakland Miami vs. Long Beach Miami vs. Minneapolis Miami vs. Raleigh Miami vs. Tulsa Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene