CostIndexUSA

Arlington, TX vs Chattanooga, TN Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

TX
Arlington
103.1
overall index
$1,775/mo rent
More AffordableTN
Chattanooga
91.5
overall index
$1,500/mo rent

Chattanooga is moderately cheaper than Arlington — 11.3% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Arlington, you would need $71,000 in Chattanooga. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing35.0%
Arlington
117.9
Chattanooga
76.6
🛒 Groceries6.6%
Arlington
102.8
Chattanooga
96
🚗 Transportation4.4%
Arlington
104.7
Chattanooga
100.1
🏥 Healthcare4.4%
Arlington
94.7
Chattanooga
90.5
Utilities18.2%
Arlington
90.7
Chattanooga
74.2

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Arlington to see what you'd need to earn in Chattanooga to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Chattanooga, TN
$71,000
$9,000 less needed in Chattanooga

Formula: salary × (91.5 ÷ 103.1) = salary × 0.8875. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Arlington, TX

Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,775
Housing Index
117.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.1×

Chattanooga, TN

Median Home Price
$314,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500
Housing Index
76.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.4×

Arlington has 35.0% lower housing costs compared to Chattanooga.

Income & Job Market

Arlington, TX

Median Household Income
$86,900
Per Capita Income
$49,500
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Population
394,266
Top Industries
EntertainmentManufacturingTechnologyHealthcareFinance

Chattanooga, TN

Median Household Income
$68,700
Per Capita Income
$39,200
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
Population
181,099
Top Industries
ManufacturingHealthcareTourismTechnologyLogistics

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Arlington, TX
4.1×income-to-rent ratio

75% of income left after rent (median)

Chattanooga, TN
3.8×income-to-rent ratio

74% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.