Is Macon-Bibb County, GA cheaper than Chattanooga, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Macon-Bibb County, GA is 1.1% cheaper than Chattanooga, TN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Macon-Bibb County, GA to live like I do in Chattanooga, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Chattanooga, TN, you'd need approximately $149,034.858 in Macon-Bibb County, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chattanooga, TN and Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Housing in Macon-Bibb County, GA is 1.9% cheaper than in Chattanooga, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $975/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA compared to $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chattanooga, TN to Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Macon-Bibb County, GA could save you approximately $80 per month, or $965 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chattanooga, TN vs Macon-Bibb County, GA: 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 save $80.43/month moving to Macon-Bibb County, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.0K in Macon-Bibb County, GA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$80.43

Savings

Annual Impact

$965

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

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Population:157K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$153K

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!

Macon-Bibb County, GA

The Peach State

157K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 157K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chattanooga, TN vs Macon-Bibb County, GA

Category	Chattanooga, TN	Macon-Bibb County, GA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,302/mo	$1,569/mo	↑ $267more	20.5%
Groceries	$910/mo	$999/mo	↑ $89.03more	9.8%
All Utilities	$554/mo	$609/mo	↑ $54.26more	9.8%
Housing	$2,124/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $39.86less	1.9%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,705/mo	↓ $25.58less	1.5%
Healthcare	$558/mo	$535/mo	↓ $22.78less	4.1%

Transportation

↑ 20.5%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,569

Difference

$267

Groceries

↑ 9.8%

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$999

Difference

$89.03

All Utilities

↑ 9.8%

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$609

Difference

$54.26

Housing

↓ 1.9%

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$2,084

Difference

$39.86

less

Other

↓ 1.5%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,705

Difference

$25.58

less

Healthcare

↓ 4.1%

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$535

Difference

$22.78

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$902

To$704

↓ $198

1 Bed

From$948

To$813

↓ $135

2 Bed

From$1,039

To$975

↓ $64.00

3 Bed

From$1,299

To$1,301

↑ $2.00

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.

$7,179

Monthly in Chattanooga, TN

$7,502

Monthly in Macon-Bibb County, GA

$322

Difference

Home Values

Chattanooga

Macon-Bibb County

$357K

Median Value

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

$124K - $462K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Chattanooga

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$704

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

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

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Chattanooga, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Macon-Bibb County, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.