Cost of Living in Chattanooga, TN
Population 182,832 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chattanooga lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $259,000 — 15% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Tennessee.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chattanooga
The median home value in Chattanooga is $259,200 — 15% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,155/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,028/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 72.2°F and lows of 51.5°F, with about 3.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 51 | 56 | 64 | 74 | 81 | 88 | 91 | 90 | 84 | 74 | 62 | 53 |
| Low °F | 32 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 59 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 64 | 51 | 40 | 35 |
| Precip" | 5.02 | 5.03 | 5.34 | 4.87 | 3.94 | 4.18 | 5.08 | 3.67 | 4.23 | 3.59 | 4.80 | 5.25 |
| Snow" | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Chattanooga, TN?
The median gross rent in Chattanooga is $1,155 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chattanooga?
The median home value in Chattanooga is $259,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chattanooga?
The median household income in Chattanooga is $61,028 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chattanooga, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chattanooga is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Chattanooga, TN affordable?
Yes, Chattanooga is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has average high temperatures of 72.2°F and average lows of 51.5°F. Annual precipitation is 55". Average annual snowfall is 3.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Chattanooga at a Glance
- Population
- 182,832
- Median Income
- $61,028
- Home Value
- $259,200
- Median Rent
- $1,155/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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