Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Chattanooga is 3% more affordable than Indianapolis. A $75,000 salary in Indianapolis is equivalent to $72,554 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 · Indiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Indianapolis sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $220,000 in Indianapolis, a difference of $35,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,100 in Indianapolis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chattanooga scores 94 while Indianapolis scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Indianapolis (96).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $49,968 in Indianapolis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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