Is Chattanooga expensive to live in?
Median income: $52,000. Median rent: $1,100. Median home price: $280,000.
Relocation guide · Tennessee
Moving to Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN city guide. Population is 181,099. Median household income is $52,000. Median rent is $1,100.
Median Rent
$1,100/mo
Median Income
$52,000
State Tax
None
Population
181,099
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Chattanooga
Median income: $52,000. Median rent: $1,100. Median home price: $280,000.
Median Rent/mo
$1,100
Median Home Price
$280,000
Median Income
$52,000
Rent-to-Income
25%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Tennessee
State tax rate: 0%. Local tax rate: 9.25%.
State Income Tax
None
Local Tax Rate
9.25%
Climate
Weather in Chattanooga
Average high: 68°F. Average low: 48°F. Annual rainfall: 54 inches. Sunny days: 215.
Avg High Temp
68°F
Avg Low Temp
48°F
Sunny Days/yr
215
Annual Rainfall
54"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Chattanooga
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Chattanooga with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Chattanooga
What is the average rent in Chattanooga?
The median rent in Chattanooga is $1,100/month. Median home price is $280,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 0%. Local tax rate: 9.25%.
What is Chattanooga known for?
Chattanooga, TN city guide. Population is 181,099. Median household income is $52,000. Median rent is $1,100.
What should I know before moving to Chattanooga?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Chattanooga has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.