Moving from Fort Worth to Chattanooga (2026)
Chattanooga has a COL index of 86 vs 91 for Fort Worth (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Chattanooga to match your Fort Worth lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Worth | Equivalent in Chattanooga |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,802 |
| $50K | $47,253 |
| $60K | $56,703 |
| $75K | $70,879 |
| $80K | $75,604 |
| $100K | $94,505 |
| $120K | $113,407 |
| $150K | $141,758 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Worth vs Chattanooga
| Expense | Fort Worth | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $365 | $357 |
| Transport | $50 | $45 |
| Utilities | $180 | $165 |
| Internet | $68 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,678 | $2,866 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chattanooga cheaper than Fort Worth?
Yes. Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 86 vs 91 for Fort Worth (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Worth to Chattanooga?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Worth to Chattanooga could save roughly $188/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,256/year.
What salary do I need in Chattanooga to match my Fort Worth lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Worth, you'd need roughly $70,879/year in Chattanooga. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only