Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Providence is 22% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,333/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 13%
$66,772/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 9%
$322,800 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 20%
$1,467/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 24%
190,214
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $5,744/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Providence or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $5,744/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Tennessee?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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