Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Chattanooga is 14% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $64,806 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 · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chattanooga scores 94 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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