Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Reno is 51% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,453/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 21%
$78,448/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 22%
$498,600 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 48%
$1,482/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 25%
268,959
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $17,420/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Reno or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $17,420/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Tennessee?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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