Affordable Alternatives to Chattanooga

Cities ranked by lifestyle match — walkability, job market, and cost of living — not just the cheapest price tag.

COL Index86100 = US avg

1BR Rent$1,250/mo

Walk Score28/100

State Income TaxNone

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Openbank

Openbank 12-Month CD

4.45%APY

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Peak Bank

Peak Bank 12-Month CD

4.42%APY

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Stay in Tennessee

Cheaper cities within Tennessee — same state laws, familiar surroundings.

More affordable metros

All other established metros cheaper than Chattanooga, sorted by cost of living.

🎵 Jackson, MS

COL 791BR $1,000/moSave $250/mo on rent8% cheaper

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🎯 Springfield, MO

COL 791BR $950/moSave $300/mo on rent8% cheaper

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🌮 Laredo, TX

COL 791BR $950/moSave $300/mo on rent8% cheaper

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🌮 El Paso, TX

COL 801BR $1,050/moSave $200/mo on rent7% cheaper

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🤠 Amarillo, TX

COL 801BR $950/moSave $300/mo on rent7% cheaper

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⚙️ Montgomery, AL

COL 811BR $1,050/moSave $200/mo on rent6% cheaper

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Chattanooga at a glance

COL index

100 = US avg

$1,250

1BR rent

per month

$275K

Home price

median

None

State tax

income

Cities with similar cost of living

Oklahoma City, OKCOL: 86 Fayetteville, ARCOL: 86 Green Bay, WICOL: 86 Lincoln, NECOL: 86

COL data: Numbeo, Zillow, BLS · Walk scores: Walk Score® · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only