Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Salt Lake City is 44% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,343/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 14%
$74,925/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 19%
$495,700 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 48%
$1,394/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 20%
203,888
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $13,897/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $13,897/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Tennessee?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Chattanooga details →

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