Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Tampa is 40% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,567/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 26%
$71,302/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 14%
$375,300 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 31%
$1,553/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 28%
393,389
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $10,274/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Tampa or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $10,274/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Tennessee?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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