Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Philadelphia is 5% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,323/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 13%
$60,698/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$61,028/yr ≈ Same
$232,400 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 12%
$1,233/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 10%
1,582,432
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $330/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $330/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Tennessee?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Chattanooga

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene