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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Milwaukee is 17% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,033/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 12%
$51,888/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 18%
$172,000 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 51%
$1,082/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 3%
569,756
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $9,140/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 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

Milwaukee vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $9,140/year higher in Chattanooga.
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 Milwaukee or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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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