Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Rochester is 25% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,039/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 11%
$46,628/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 31%
$120,600 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 115%
$1,009/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 10%
209,720
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $14,400/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Rochester or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $14,400/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between New York and Tennessee?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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