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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Pittsburgh is 6% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,221/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 5%
$64,137/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 5%
$193,200 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 34%
$1,136/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 2%
303,620
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $3,109/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 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

Pittsburgh vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $3,109/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Chattanooga details →

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