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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Tucson is 6% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,079/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 7%
$54,546/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 12%
$242,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 7%
$1,076/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 3%
543,348
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $6,482/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 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

Tucson vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Tucson or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $6,482/year higher in Chattanooga.
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 Tucson or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Chattanooga details →

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