Is Knoxville, TN cheaper than Chattanooga, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Knoxville, TN is 0.8% cheaper than Chattanooga, TN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chattanooga, TN, you'd need approximately $149,295.109 in Knoxville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN?

Housing in Knoxville, TN is 12.0% more expensive than in Chattanooga, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN compared to $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN.

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

Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Knoxville, TN could save you approximately $59 per month, or $705 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chattanooga, TN vs Knoxville, 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 Chattanooga, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $58.74/month moving to Knoxville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.3K in Knoxville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$58.74

Savings

Annual Impact

$705

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

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$369K

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!

Knoxville, TN

The Volunteer State

198K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 198K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chattanooga, TN vs Knoxville, TN

Category	Chattanooga, TN	Knoxville, TN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,124/mo	$2,378/mo	↑ $254more	12.0%
All Utilities	$554/mo	$468/mo	↓ $86.06less	15.5%
Transportation	$1,302/mo	$1,236/mo	↓ $65.76less	5.1%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,668/mo	↓ $62.86less	3.6%
Groceries	$910/mo	$967/mo	↑ $57.69more	6.3%
Healthcare	$558/mo	$556/mo	↓ $2.09less	0.4%

Housing

↑ 12.0%

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Difference

$254

All Utilities

↓ 15.5%

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Knoxville, TN

$468

Difference

$86.06

less

Transportation

↓ 5.1%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Difference

$65.76

less

Other

↓ 3.6%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Difference

$62.86

less

Groceries

↑ 6.3%

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Knoxville, TN

$967

Difference

$57.69

Healthcare

↓ 0.4%

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Knoxville, TN

$556

Difference

$2.09

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$902

To$1,200

↑ $298

1 Bed

From$948

To$1,200

↑ $252

2 Bed

From$1,039

To$1,495

↑ $456

3 Bed

From$1,299

To$1,891

↑ $592

Chattanooga, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,660/mo

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/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

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$95.09

Difference

Home Values

Chattanooga

Knoxville

$357K

Median Value

$369K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +0.7%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +64.1%

$124K - $462K

Price Range

$196K - $638K

Homes in Knoxville are 3% more expensive than Chattanooga

Calculate payment - Chattanooga Calculate payment - Knoxville

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

Knoxville, 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

Chattanooga, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Knoxville, 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.