Is Chattanooga, TN cheaper than Cary, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Chattanooga, TN is 0.4% more expensive than Cary, NC. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Chattanooga, TN to live like I do in Cary, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Cary, NC, you'd need approximately $150,334.868 in Chattanooga, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cary, NC and Chattanooga, TN?

Housing in Chattanooga, TN is 2.3% cheaper than in Cary, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN compared to $1,473/month in Cary, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Cary, NC to Chattanooga, TN?

Cary, NC and Chattanooga, TN have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cary, NC vs Chattanooga, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Cary, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $27.91/month more in Chattanooga, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.3K in Chattanooga, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$27.91

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$335

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$514K

Chattanooga, TN

Population:187K

Cost Index:

100

(0% above avg)

Median Home:$357K

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 180K residents.

Chattanooga, TN

The Volunteer State

187K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 187K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cary, NC vs Chattanooga, TN

Category	Cary, NC	Chattanooga, TN	Difference	Change
Other	$1,672/mo	$1,731/mo	↑ $59.45more	3.6%
Housing	$2,175/mo	$2,124/mo	↓ $51.10less	2.3%
Transportation	$1,257/mo	$1,302/mo	↑ $44.94more	3.6%
Groceries	$949/mo	$910/mo	↓ $39.50less	4.2%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$558/mo	↓ $36.50less	6.1%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$554/mo	↑ $13.77more	2.5%

Other

↑ 3.6%

Cary, NC

$1,672

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Difference

$59.45

Housing

↓ 2.3%

Cary, NC

$2,175

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Difference

$51.10

less

Transportation

↑ 3.6%

Cary, NC

$1,257

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Difference

$44.94

Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Cary, NC

$949

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Difference

$39.50

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.1%

Cary, NC

$595

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Difference

$36.50

less

All Utilities

↑ 2.5%

Cary, NC

$541

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Difference

$13.77

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,281

To$902

↓ $379

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$948

↓ $396

2 Bed

From$1,473

To$1,039

↓ $434

3 Bed

From$1,847

To$1,299

↓ $548

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

Chattanooga, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,660/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$7,179

Monthly in Chattanooga, TN

$8.93

Difference

Home Values

Cary

Chattanooga

$514K

Median Value

$357K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$481K - $548K

Price Range

$124K - $462K

Homes in Chattanooga are 31% less expensive than Cary

Calculate payment - Cary Calculate payment - Chattanooga

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Cary, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Chattanooga, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Chattanooga, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.