Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Scottsdale is 104% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,910/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 40%
$107,372/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 43%
$709,900 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 63%
$1,824/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 39%
242,169
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $46,344/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $46,344/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Chattanooga details →

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