Is Austin, TX cheaper than Chattanooga, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 8.1% more expensive than Chattanooga, TN. This translates to spending an extra $605 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Chattanooga, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Chattanooga, TN, you'd need approximately $157,257.811 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chattanooga, TN and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 35.8% more expensive than in Chattanooga, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chattanooga, TN to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $605 more per month than Chattanooga, TN, or $7258 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chattanooga, TN vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Chattanooga, TN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Atlanta, GA area

Current salary in Chattanooga, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $605/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.3K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 8.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$605

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.3K

Per year

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

Chattanooga, TN

Population:187K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$357K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:108

Median Home:$558K

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!

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chattanooga, TN vs Austin, TX

Category	Chattanooga, TN	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,124/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $760more	35.8%
🛒Groceries	$910/mo	$959/mo	↑ $49.64more	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$558/mo	$589/mo	↑ $30.46more	5.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,302/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $17.94less	1.4%
⚡All Utilities	$554/mo	$541/mo	↓ $13.46less	2.4%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $9.94more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 35.8%

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$760

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.5%

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$49.64

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.5%

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$30.46

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.4%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$17.94

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.4%

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$13.46

less

📦Other

↑ 0.6%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$9.94

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$902

To$1,585

↑ $683

1 Bed

From$948

To$1,685

↑ $737

2 Bed

From$1,039

To$1,995

↑ $956

3 Bed

From$1,299

To$2,525

↑ $1,226

Chattanooga, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,660/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,179

Monthly in Chattanooga, TN

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$819

Difference

Home Values

Chattanooga

Austin

$357K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$124K - $462K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 56% more expensive than Chattanooga

Calculate payment - Chattanooga Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas 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

Chattanooga, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.