Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Worcester is 28% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,415/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 18%
$67,544/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 10%
$339,500 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 24%
$1,521/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 27%
205,501
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $6,516/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Worcester or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $6,516/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Tennessee?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Chattanooga details →

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