Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Chattanooga is 4% more affordable than Columbus. A $75,000 salary in Columbus is equivalent to $71,774 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 · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Columbus sits at 82 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $240,000 in Columbus, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,200 in Columbus.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chattanooga scores 94 while Columbus scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Columbus (96).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $56,590 in Columbus. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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