Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Chattanooga is 7% more affordable than Houston. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $69,531 in Chattanooga.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Houston sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $250,000 in Houston, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,400 in Houston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chattanooga scores 94 while Houston scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Houston (96).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $52,338 in Houston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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