Moving from Houston to Chattanooga (2026)
Chattanooga has a COL index of 86 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Chattanooga to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Chattanooga |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,211 |
| $50K | $45,263 |
| $60K | $54,316 |
| $75K | $67,895 |
| $80K | $72,421 |
| $100K | $90,526 |
| $120K | $108,632 |
| $150K | $135,789 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Chattanooga
| Expense | Houston | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $357 | $357 |
| Transport | $90 | $45 |
| Utilities | $175 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $2,866 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $162 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Houston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chattanooga cheaper than Houston?
Yes. Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 86 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Chattanooga?
On a $75K salary, moving from Houston to Chattanooga saves roughly $100/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,200/year.
What salary do I need in Chattanooga to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $67,895/year in Chattanooga. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only