| Index | Chattanooga | Tennessee | National |
| Cost of living | 97 | 92 | 100 |
| Groceries | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 97 | 80 | 100 |
| Transportation | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Utilities | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 94 | 97 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 97 | 97 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Chattanooga is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Chattanooga is 97, which is 3% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Chattanooga aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Chattanooga residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 20 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Chattanooga. The results indicated that 70% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 30% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.
Is Chattanooga an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Chattanooga is 1.4% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 7.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Chattanooga has a median household income of $71,099, which is 12.6% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Chattanooga, the utilities index registers at 3.7% lower than the national average.
Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Chattanooga, the groceries index is 3.9% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Chattanooga are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $94,884 | $7,907 | $2,214 | $2,847 |
| Renters | $51,289 | $4,274 | $1,197 | $1,539 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Tennessee | 7% | 9.75% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Tennessee | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Rossville, GA | 4,069 | 83 | 16.7% |
| Whitwell, TN | 2,019 | 87 | 13.4% |
| Lakeview, GA | 4,907 | 87 | 12.5% |
| Fairview, GA | 6,085 | 88 | 12.1% |
| Trenton, GA | 2,390 | 89 | 11.1% |
| Chattanooga, TN | 187,734 | 97 | 3.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | 187,807 | 127 | 27.1% |
| Vancouver, WA | 188,837 | 127 | 26.9% |
| Worcester, MA | 189,035 | 120 | 20.3% |
| Brownsville, TX | 189,413 | 88 | 12.0% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 185,812 | 99 | 1.0% |
| Chattanooga, TN | 187,734 | 97 | 3.5% |
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