Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
45% cheaper
Chattanooga is 45% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $41,204 in Chattanooga.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Chattanooga sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $255,000 in Chattanooga, a difference of $365,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,200 in Chattanooga.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Chattanooga scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Chattanooga (92).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $46,054 in Chattanooga. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
Amazon affiliate links