Is Chattanooga, TN cheaper than Knoxville, TN?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Knoxville, TN, you'd need approximately $150,710.456 in Chattanooga, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chattanooga, TN is 10.7% cheaper than in Knoxville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN compared to $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN.

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

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

Knoxville, TN vs Chattanooga, TN: 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 Knoxville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $59.20/month more in Chattanooga, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.7K in Chattanooga, TN

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$59.20

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$710

Per year

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

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$369K

Chattanooga, TN

Population:187K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$357K

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!

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: Knoxville, TN vs Chattanooga, TN

Category	Knoxville, TN	Chattanooga, TN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,378/mo	$2,124/mo	↓ $254less	10.7%
All Utilities	$468/mo	$554/mo	↑ $86.06more	18.4%
Transportation	$1,236/mo	$1,302/mo	↑ $65.76more	5.3%
Other	$1,668/mo	$1,731/mo	↑ $62.86more	3.8%
Groceries	$967/mo	$910/mo	↓ $57.69less	6.0%
Healthcare	$556/mo	$558/mo	↑ $2.09more	0.4%

Housing

↓ 10.7%

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Difference

$254

less

All Utilities

↑ 18.4%

Knoxville, TN

$468

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Difference

$86.06

Transportation

↑ 5.3%

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Difference

$65.76

Other

↑ 3.8%

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Difference

$62.86

Groceries

↓ 6.0%

Knoxville, TN

$967

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Difference

$57.69

less

Healthcare

↑ 0.4%

Knoxville, TN

$556

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Difference

$2.09

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,200

To$902

↓ $298

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$948

↓ $252

2 Bed

From$1,495

To$1,039

↓ $456

3 Bed

From$1,891

To$1,299

↓ $592

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/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.

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$7,179

Monthly in Chattanooga, TN

$95.09

Difference

Home Values

Knoxville

Chattanooga

$369K

Median Value

$357K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +64.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$196K - $638K

Price Range

$124K - $462K

Homes in Chattanooga are 3% less expensive than Knoxville

Calculate payment - Knoxville 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

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

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

Knoxville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.