Median rent is 28% lower in Chattanooga ($1,155/mo vs $1,614/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chattanooga, where the median home runs $259,200 versus $271,000. Households earn more in Middletown ($77,174 vs $61,028 a year). Taken together, Middletown is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 92.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Middletown, NY.
City A
Chattanooga, TN
City B
Middletown, NY
How much would you need to earn in Middletown, NY to maintain your standard of living from Chattanooga, TN?
Equivalent salary in Middletown, NY
$74,932
You could earn $68 less (0% lower) and break even.
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
Middletown
New York
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chattanooga — median rent of $1,155/mo versus $1,614/mo in Middletown, a 28% difference. Median home values are within 4% of each other: $259,200 in Chattanooga and $271,000 in Middletown.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Chattanooga a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Tennessee and 4.00% in New York; Middletown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chattanooga
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Middletown
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Chattanooga (avg AQI 64.0) but not yet for Middletown.
Pick Middletown if you prioritize higher median household income ($77,174/yr).
Pick Chattanooga if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,155/mo median).
Pick Chattanooga if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chattanooga cheaper than Middletown?
Middletown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 92.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Middletown.
How much is rent in Chattanooga vs Middletown?
Median rent is $1,155/mo in Chattanooga, TN and $1,614/mo in Middletown, NY. Chattanooga, TN has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Chattanooga or Middletown?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga, TN and $77,174 in Middletown, NY. Middletown, NY 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 Middletown?
Tennessee has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Middletown to match my Chattanooga income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chattanooga, TN is equivalent to roughly $99,909 in Middletown, NY (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