Is Chattanooga, TN cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Chattanooga, TN is 14.9% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL. This translates to saving $1117 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you'd need approximately $136,591.351 in Chattanooga, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chattanooga, TN is 34.6% cheaper than in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN compared to $2,330/month in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

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

Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Chattanooga, TN could save you approximately $1117 per month, or $13409 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Chattanooga, 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Chattanooga, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.6K in Chattanooga, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 14.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,117

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.4K

Per year

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Population:184K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$530K

Chattanooga, TN

Population:187K

Cost Index:

(15% below avg)

Median Home:$357K

Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Sunshine State

184K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 184K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Chattanooga, TN

Category	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Chattanooga, TN	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,124/mo	↓ $1,124less	34.6%
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $194less	10.1%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$910/mo	↓ $170less	15.7%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,302/mo	↓ $160less	10.9%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$554/mo	↑ $35.32more	6.8%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$558/mo	↓ $30.46less	5.2%

Housing

↓ 34.6%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$3,248

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Difference

$1,124

less

Other

↓ 10.1%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,925

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Difference

$194

less

Groceries

↓ 15.7%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,079

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Difference

$170

less

Transportation

↓ 10.9%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,462

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Difference

$160

less

All Utilities

↑ 6.8%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$519

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Difference

$35.32

Healthcare

↓ 5.2%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$589

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Difference

$30.46

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,730

To$902

↓ $828

1 Bed

From$1,900

To$948

↓ $952

2 Bed

From$2,330

To$1,039

↓ $1,291

3 Bed

From$3,210

To$1,299

↓ $1,911

Fort Lauderdale, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,850/mo

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.

$8,822

Monthly in Fort Lauderdale, FL

$7,179

Monthly in Chattanooga, TN

$1,643

Difference

Home Values

Fort Lauderdale

Chattanooga

$530K

Median Value

$357K

↓ -4.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +38.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$358K - $851K

Price Range

$124K - $462K

Homes in Chattanooga are 33% less expensive than Fort Lauderdale

Calculate payment - Fort Lauderdale Calculate payment - Chattanooga

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

Fort Lauderdale, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Fort Lauderdale, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Chattanooga, 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.