Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Portland is 70% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,596/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 28%
$88,792/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 31%
$557,600 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 54%
$1,771/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 37%
642,715
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $441/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,292/year.

Median household income is $27,764/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Portland or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $441/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $27,764/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Tennessee?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Chattanooga details →

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