Is Tallahassee, FL cheaper than Chattanooga, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Tallahassee, FL is 0.6% more expensive than Chattanooga, TN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chattanooga, TN, you'd need approximately $150,540.497 in Tallahassee, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chattanooga, TN and Tallahassee, FL?

Housing in Tallahassee, FL is 0.2% cheaper than in Chattanooga, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,582/month in Tallahassee, FL compared to $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN.

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

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

Chattanooga, TN vs Tallahassee, FL: 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 spend $45.04/month more in Tallahassee, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.5K in Tallahassee, FL

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$45.04

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$540

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

Tallahassee, FL

Population:202K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$233K

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!

Tallahassee, FL

The Sunshine State

202K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 202K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chattanooga, TN vs Tallahassee, FL

Category	Chattanooga, TN	Tallahassee, FL	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,302/mo	$1,596/mo	↑ $294more	22.6%
Groceries	$910/mo	$1,007/mo	↑ $97.44more	10.7%
All Utilities	$554/mo	$614/mo	↑ $59.39more	10.7%
Healthcare	$558/mo	$540/mo	↓ $18.27less	3.3%
Housing	$2,124/mo	$2,119/mo	↓ $4.62less	0.2%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,734/mo	↑ $3.26more	0.2%

Transportation

↑ 22.6%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Tallahassee, FL

$1,596

Difference

$294

Groceries

↑ 10.7%

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Tallahassee, FL

$1,007

Difference

$97.44

All Utilities

↑ 10.7%

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Tallahassee, FL

$614

Difference

$59.39

Healthcare

↓ 3.3%

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Tallahassee, FL

$540

Difference

$18.27

less

Housing

↓ 0.2%

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Tallahassee, FL

$2,119

Difference

$4.62

less

Other

↑ 0.2%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Tallahassee, FL

$1,734

Difference

$3.26

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$902

To$1,284

↑ $382

1 Bed

From$948

To$1,405

↑ $457

2 Bed

From$1,039

To$1,582

↑ $543

3 Bed

From$1,299

To$1,956

↑ $657

Chattanooga, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,660/mo

Tallahassee, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,070–$1,510/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

$7,610

Monthly in Tallahassee, FL

$431

Difference

Home Values

Chattanooga

Tallahassee

$357K

Median Value

$233K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.6%

$124K - $462K

Price Range

$163K - $439K

Homes in Tallahassee are 35% less expensive than Chattanooga

Calculate payment - Chattanooga Calculate payment - Tallahassee

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

Tallahassee, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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%

Tallahassee, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.