salaryChattanooga is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Chicago to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,537
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,305
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$69,588
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$283,200
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.5
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,265
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$139
$90
👥 People living there
185,783
2,711,226
Commute to work
18.5 min
33.1 min
College degree
36%
44.3%
Own their home
52.4%
46%
Below poverty line
19.1%
16.8%
Unemployment
5.4%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Chattanooga for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chattanooga | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $51,330 | $107,810 | +110% in Chicago |
| Firefighter | $46,060 | $82,820 | +80% in Chicago |
| Plumber | $58,720 | $103,380 | +76% in Chicago |
| Carpenter | $50,760 | $80,440 | +58% in Chicago |
| HVAC Technician | $50,950 | $77,960 | +53% in Chicago |
| Electrician | $72,330 | $102,350 | +42% in Chicago |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $58,580 | $78,070 | +33% in Chicago |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,830 | $78,390 | +31% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chattanooga or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Chattanooga is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,537 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Chattanooga?
About $67,958 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Chattanooga or Chicago?
The typical household earns $69,588 in Chattanooga and $84,017 in Chicago, 17% more in Chicago.