Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Seattle is 142% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,998/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 42%
$121,984/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 50%
$912,100 ↑ 252%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 72%
$2,220/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 50%
741,440
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $60,956/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Seattle or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $60,956/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Tennessee?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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