Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Below the national average, an outdoorsy river city with no state income tax.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 92
Median 2BR rent: $1,500/mo
Housing: 86 vs 100
Groceries: 95 vs 100
Utilities: 101 vs 100
Transportation: 96 vs 100
Healthcare: 96 vs 100
Chattanooga offers riverfront scenery, outdoor access, and no state income tax at below-average costs. Affordable housing makes it a strong value in the Southeast.