Can I Afford to Live in Chattanooga vs Jackson on $60K?

Here's how a $60K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Chattanooga, TN
$3,793/mo take-home
Rent: $1,250/mo (33% of take-home)
Manageable
Jackson, MS
$3,558/mo take-home
Rent: $1,000/mo (28% of take-home)
Manageable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Chattanooga
TN
Jackson
MS
Monthly take-home (est.)
$3,793Best ✓
$3,558
1BR rent
$1,250
$1,000Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$357
$346Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$45
$38Best ✓
Utilities
$165Best ✓
$178
Internet
$58
$55Best ✓
Left after essentials
$1,918/month
$1,941/month
Chattanooga (Tennessee) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Jackson (MS rate: 4.7%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $60K a good salary in Chattanooga?

At $60K/year in Chattanooga, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,793. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 33% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Is $60K a good salary in Jackson?

At $60K/year in Jackson, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,558. With 1BR rent around $1,000/month, rent takes up 28% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Which city is more affordable on a $60K salary?

Jackson leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,941/month vs $1,918/month in Chattanooga.

Can I afford to live alone in Chattanooga on $60K?

Yes. At $60K in Chattanooga, rent takes 33% of your take-home, leaving $1,918/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Chattanooga vs Jackson

$40K$50K$75K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only