Is Boston, MA cheaper than Chattanooga, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 56.3% more expensive than Chattanooga, TN. This translates to spending an extra $4224 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Chattanooga, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Chattanooga, TN, you'd need approximately $200,693.338 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chattanooga, TN and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 148.4% more expensive than in Chattanooga, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chattanooga, TN to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $4224 more per month than Chattanooga, TN, or $50693 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chattanooga, TN vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Chattanooga, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.2K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $200.7K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 56.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,224

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$50.7K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$357K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

156

(56% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

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!

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chattanooga, TN vs Boston, MA

Category	Chattanooga, TN	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,124/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $3,151more	148.4%
Transportation	$1,302/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $528more	40.6%
Healthcare	$558/mo	$743/mo	↑ $185more	33.2%
Groceries	$910/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $170more	18.6%
All Utilities	$554/mo	$716/mo	↑ $161more	29.1%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $93.64more	5.4%

Housing

↑ 148.4%

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$3,151

Transportation

↑ 40.6%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$528

Healthcare

↑ 33.2%

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$185

Groceries

↑ 18.6%

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$170

All Utilities

↑ 29.1%

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$161

Other

↑ 5.4%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$93.64

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$902

To$3,095

↑ $2,193

1 Bed

From$948

To$3,255

↑ $2,307

2 Bed

From$1,039

To$3,865

↑ $2,826

3 Bed

From$1,299

To$4,630

↑ $3,331

Chattanooga, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,660/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$4,290

Difference

Home Values

Chattanooga

Boston

$357K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$124K - $462K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 169% more expensive than Chattanooga

Calculate payment - Chattanooga Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$625

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Chattanooga, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.