Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Raleigh is 36% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,468/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 21%
$82,424/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 26%
$377,800 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 31%
$1,487/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 25%
470,763
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $21,396/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Raleigh or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $21,396/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Chattanooga details →

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