Is Chattanooga, TN cheaper than Norfolk, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Chattanooga, TN is 7.5% cheaper than Norfolk, VA. This translates to saving $560 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Norfolk, VA, you'd need approximately $143,283.799 in Chattanooga, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Norfolk, VA and Chattanooga, TN?

Housing in Chattanooga, TN is 22.2% cheaper than in Norfolk, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN compared to $1,630/month in Norfolk, VA.

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

Moving from Norfolk, VA to Chattanooga, TN could save you approximately $560 per month, or $6716 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Norfolk, VA 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 Norfolk, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $560/month moving to Chattanooga, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.3K in Chattanooga, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$560

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.7K

Per year

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

Norfolk, VA

Population:238K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$309K

Chattanooga, TN

Population:187K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$357K

Norfolk, VA

The Old Dominion State

238K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 238K residents.

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: Norfolk, VA vs Chattanooga, TN

Category	Norfolk, VA	Chattanooga, TN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,124/mo	↓ $605less	22.2%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$558/mo	↓ $73.83less	11.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$910/mo	↓ $49.64less	5.2%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $26.68less	1.5%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$554/mo	↓ $19.33less	3.4%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,302/mo	↑ $17.94more	1.4%

Housing

↓ 22.2%

Norfolk, VA

$2,729

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Difference

$605

less

Healthcare

↓ 11.7%

Norfolk, VA

$632

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Difference

$73.83

less

Groceries

↓ 5.2%

Norfolk, VA

$959

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Difference

$49.64

less

Other

↓ 1.5%

Norfolk, VA

$1,758

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Difference

$26.68

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.4%

Norfolk, VA

$574

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Difference

$19.33

less

Transportation

↑ 1.4%

Norfolk, VA

$1,284

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Difference

$17.94

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,420

To$902

↓ $518

1 Bed

From$1,440

To$948

↓ $492

2 Bed

From$1,630

To$1,039

↓ $591

3 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,299

↓ $961

Norfolk, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,760/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.

$7,935

Monthly in Norfolk, VA

$7,179

Monthly in Chattanooga, TN

$756

Difference

Home Values

Norfolk

Chattanooga

$309K

Median Value

$357K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +28.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$249K - $469K

Price Range

$124K - $462K

Homes in Chattanooga are 15% more expensive than Norfolk

Calculate payment - Norfolk Calculate payment - Chattanooga

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Norfolk, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Norfolk, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.