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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Nashville is 36% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,486/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 22%
$75,197/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 19%
$383,100 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 32%
$1,471/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 24%
684,298
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $14,169/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Nashville or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $14,169/year higher in Nashville.
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 Nashville or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Chattanooga details →

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