Chattanooga, Tennessee has an overall cost of living index of 92.5, which is 7.5 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,155 per month, while the typical home is valued around $259,200. Households earn a median of $61,028 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 64. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$61,028
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,155
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$259,200
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
92.5
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
92.5
Goods
94.2
Rents / Housing
79.6
Services
79.2
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
None
No state income tax on wages
State Sales Tax
7.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $107,290 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $79,040 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $56,550 |
| ⚡Electrician | $56,470 |
| 📊Accountant | $77,240 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
182,832
Latest estimate
Median Age
36.6 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
64.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 92.5. The US national average is 100, so Chattanooga is 7.5 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Chattanooga?
The median gross rent in Chattanooga is $1,155 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Chattanooga?
The median household income in Chattanooga is $61,028 per year.
What is the median home value in Chattanooga?
The median home value in Chattanooga is $259,200 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 64.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Chattanooga?
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages and a statewide sales tax of 7.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology