Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Richmond is 21% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,314/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 12%
$62,671/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 3%
$328,100 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 21%
$1,374/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 19%
227,595
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $1,643/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Richmond or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $1,643/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Tennessee?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Chattanooga details →

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