Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Newark is 23% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,330/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 13%
$48,416/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 26%
$337,800 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 23%
$1,419/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 22%
307,188
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $12,612/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Newark or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $175/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $12,612/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Tennessee?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Chattanooga details →

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