Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Lubbock is 7% more affordable than Chattanooga. A $75,000 salary in Chattanooga is equivalent to $69,944 in Lubbock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Lubbock sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $175,000 in Lubbock, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $950 in Lubbock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chattanooga scores 94 while Lubbock scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are higher than Lubbock (90).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $49,834 in Lubbock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lubbock.
Amazon affiliate links