Moving from Montgomery to Chattanooga (2026)
Chattanooga has a COL index of 86 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 6% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Chattanooga to match your Montgomery lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Montgomery | Equivalent in Chattanooga |
|---|---|
| $40K | $42,469 |
| $50K | $53,086 |
| $60K | $63,704 |
| $75K | $79,630 |
| $80K | $84,938 |
| $100K | $106,173 |
| $120K | $127,407 |
| $150K | $159,259 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Montgomery vs Chattanooga
| Expense | Montgomery | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,050 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $353 | $357 |
| Transport | $38 | $45 |
| Utilities | $170 | $165 |
| Internet | $58 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,759 | $2,866 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chattanooga cheaper than Montgomery?
No. Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 86 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). That's about 6% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Montgomery to Chattanooga?
On a $75K salary, moving from Montgomery to Chattanooga saves roughly $113/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,356/year.
What salary do I need in Chattanooga to match my Montgomery lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Montgomery, you'd need roughly $79,630/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