Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Chattanooga is 18% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $61,239 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chattanooga scores 94 while Plano scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Plano (100).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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