Tempe, AZ vs Chattanooga, TN: 120 vs 81

$1,623/mo ↑ 41%

Median Rent

$1,155/mo ↓ 29%

$77,643/yr ↑ 27%

Median Income

$61,028/yr ↓ 21%

$421,900 ↑ 63%

Home Value

$259,200 ↓ 39%

$1,554/mo ↑ 40%

Owner Costs

$1,112/mo ↓ 28%

186,419

Population

182,832

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $16,615/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Tempe or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 120 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tempe and Chattanooga?

Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $468/month.

Which city has higher income, Tempe or Chattanooga?

Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $16,615/year higher in Tempe.

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 Tempe or Chattanooga?

It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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.

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

Tempe

Chattanooga

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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