Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Chattanooga is 19% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $60,682 in Chattanooga.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Chattanooga sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $255,000 in Chattanooga, a difference of $125,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,200 in Chattanooga.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Chattanooga scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Chattanooga (92).
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $46,054 in Chattanooga. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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