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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Tacoma is 56% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,597/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 28%
$83,857/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 27%
$454,600 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 43%
$1,747/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 36%
220,482
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $22,829/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Tacoma or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $22,829/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Chattanooga details →

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