Median rent is 6% lower in Chattanooga ($1,155/mo vs $1,234/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chattanooga, where the median home runs $259,200 versus $337,000. Households earn more in Gainesville ($64,636 vs $61,028 a year). Taken together, Chattanooga is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 92.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Gainesville, GA.
City A
Chattanooga, TN
City B
Gainesville, GA
How much would you need to earn in Gainesville, GA to maintain your standard of living from Chattanooga, TN?
Equivalent salary in Gainesville, GA
$75,039
You'd need $39 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chattanooga
Tennessee
Gainesville
Georgia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Chattanooga at $1,155/mo compared to $1,234/mo in Gainesville (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Gainesville: the median home is $337,000 versus $259,200 in Chattanooga — 23% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while Georgia tops out at 5.49% — giving Chattanooga a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Tennessee and 4.00% in Georgia; Gainesville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chattanooga
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Gainesville
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Chattanooga (avg AQI 64.0) but not yet for Gainesville.
Pick Gainesville if you prioritize higher median household income ($64,636/yr).
Pick Chattanooga if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chattanooga cheaper than Gainesville?
Chattanooga is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 92.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Chattanooga.
How much is rent in Chattanooga vs Gainesville?
Median rent is $1,155/mo in Chattanooga, TN and $1,234/mo in Gainesville, GA. Chattanooga, TN has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Chattanooga or Gainesville?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga, TN and $64,636 in Gainesville, GA. Gainesville, GA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chattanooga or Gainesville?
Tennessee has no state income tax. Georgia has a top rate of 5.49%.
What salary do I need in Gainesville to match my Chattanooga income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chattanooga, TN is equivalent to roughly $100,052 in Gainesville, GA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology