Chattanooga, TN vs Kingsport, TN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Kingsport is 23.1% cheaper than Chattanooga. With a cost index of 72 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Kingsport to Chattanooga should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month compared to $843/month in Kingsport — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kingsport is more affordable at $203,000 median vs $259,200.

Median household income in Chattanooga is $61,028 compared to $50,436 in Kingsport (+21%). The higher salaries in Chattanooga partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Chattanooga spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, more than the 20.1% in Kingsport.