Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Plano is 63% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,792/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 36%
$108,649/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 44%
$440,600 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 41%
$1,829/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 39%
287,339
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $637/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $7,644/year.

Median household income is $47,621/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Plano or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $637/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $47,621/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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