salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Chattanooga to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,291
$1,537
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,126
$1,305
💵 Families earn per year
$49,666
$69,588
🔑 Buying a house
$158,800
$283,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.6
91.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$997
$2,265
⚡ Electric bill per month
$175
$139
👥 People living there
198,173
185,783
Commute to work
20.8 min
18.5 min
College degree
31.1%
36%
Own their home
45.5%
52.4%
Below poverty line
24.7%
19.1%
Unemployment
5.8%
5.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Birmingham for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Chattanooga for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Birmingham | Chattanooga | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist | $61,730 | $83,460 | +35% in Chattanooga |
| Electrician | $56,630 | $72,330 | +28% in Chattanooga |
| Operations Manager | $123,560 | $102,920 | -17% in Chattanooga |
| Physician Assistant | $105,440 | $121,600 | +15% in Chattanooga |
| Police Officer | $60,590 | $51,330 | -15% in Chattanooga |
| Software Developer | $125,410 | $106,750 | -15% in Chattanooga |
| Lawyer | $170,230 | $147,640 | -13% in Chattanooga |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,670 | $24,240 | -12% in Chattanooga |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Birmingham and Chattanooga cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Chattanooga to match $60,000 in Birmingham?
About $59,882 a year gives the same standard of living in Chattanooga.
Where do people earn more, Birmingham or Chattanooga?
The typical household earns $49,666 in Birmingham and $69,588 in Chattanooga, 29% more in Chattanooga.
More comparisons
All Birmingham comparisons → · All Chattanooga comparisons →