Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Chattanooga is 7% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia 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 · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Columbia sits at 88 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $210,000 in Columbia, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,200 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chattanooga scores 94 while Columbia scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Columbia (102).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $46,734 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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