Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Chattanooga is 9% more affordable than Spokane. A $75,000 salary in Spokane is equivalent to $68,112 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chattanooga scores 94 while Spokane scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Spokane (102).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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