Cost of Living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

Are you considering a move to Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Chattanooga, Tennessee is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Chattanooga, Tennessee and help you understand whether $3222 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $5272.03.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

16.5 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

75.0 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

9.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

6.25 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

7.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

5.23 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.33 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.92 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.08 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

3.37 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

5.25 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

4.29 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

15.06 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

9.92 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

14.04 $

Apples (1 lb)

5.95 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.73 $

Oranges (1 lb)

4.68 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.02 $

Potato (1 lb)

3.24 $

Onion (1 lb)

3.01 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.0 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

2.37 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

15.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.73 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.83 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

6.62 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

4.0 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

75.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

2.5 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.24 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

50.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.82 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

24999.5 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

23206.25 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

176.38 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

68.5 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

--

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

17.5 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

13.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

496.67 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

21500.0 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

55.0 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

21.0 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

88.5 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

124.44 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1450.0 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1216.67 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2150.0 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2000.0 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

2287.33 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1829.86 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

5272.03 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.58 %

Cost of Living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

The monthly expenses for living in Chattanooga, Tennessee come to a total of approximately $3222. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1450 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $210 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $993 per month.

How affordable is living in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

Living in Chattanooga, Tennessee appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $5272.03. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, you would likely need an income exceeding $5272.03.

What is the average salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $5272.03, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Chattanooga, Tennessee is approximately $1450. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1216.67 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

The expense for groceries in Chattanooga, Tennessee can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $766 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in United States?

The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

How Safe Is Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

With overall crime up 13% in Chattanooga from 2018 to 2020, there's a medium risk and growing. In 2020, there were 1926 violent crimes. 2021 data shows more than 2,500. In June of 2022, there were two mass shootings here within a week. This doesn't mean it's too unsafe to visit Chattanooga, but there should be a lot of caution used when doing so.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

CARTA is the public transportation system throughout the city. You can buy unlimited rides for $6, or it's $1.50 each way. Taxis and rideshares are available and rental cars are available. With growing crime on the streets and an increased number of car break-ins and thefts, there's medium risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Another medium risk here with 22 pickpockets or purse snatching reported in 2020 and a slew of purse and wallet thefts from vehicles - with that exact number not being released. Definitely avoid carrying anything of value, limit the amount of cash, and don't wear jewelry or other high-priced items that might draw attention.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and extreme temperatures are the biggest risks here. Winter weather is possible but not all that common. Since there's some kind of threat throughout the year, there's a medium risk here too.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

There's a robbery in Chattanooga every other day, on average. About 25% of those robberies happen in public places. Nearly 40% of violent crimes happen in public places. Based on recent crime trends, there's a higher risk when going out after dark or late into the overnight hours.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here since there's not a large population, hard targets, or nearby military bases. There are some military reserve units here, but it's not one of the large forts or bases that hold weapons or any other kind of rich target.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

It would be wise not to trust anyone you meet here who asks for personal information unless it's a licensed business or entity. While there aren't any reported tourist-focused scams, you could face rental scams when looking at vacation homes. Always be sure the landlord is licensed and never wire money ahead of time.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk for men and women here. The sexual assault rate is two and a half times the national average. While many violent crimes are among people who know each other, too many people are getting caught in the literal crossfire. At least for the time being, it's best to avoid the nightlife here or use a lot of caution if you do go out. Don't stand in large crowds outside and don't walk home from a bar alone (or even with a friend) if you can avoid it.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2021 Water Quality Report shows no violations and full compliance. You might notice an odd smell in the water, and the report actually includes links to videos where you can understand why this happens.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

You'll need a U.S. Travel or Work Visa to enter the country, and a passport is also required. Be sure to plan far ahead of time as the appointments for in-person interviews can be backed up for months.

currency_exchange

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here, and you should avoid carrying cash with you. It's just too risky with the current crime trends. Try to limit purchases to one credit card and check your account daily for potential fraud. Never throw a receipt away in public. Local stores like UPS allow people to drop off sensitive paperwork to be shredded.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Summers will be hot and muggy, and you'll need good hiking shoes to explore the mountains. Spring and fall can vary in temperatures, so plan several different layers and lengths of clothing. Winter can be chilly but rarely gets too cold to enjoy outdoor activities.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Chattanooga's airport is 13 miles east of downtown. That should take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. During the weekends, traffic can get more intense as people drive through this area to get to and from places like Huntsville and the uber-popular Pigeon Forge. I was surprised to see how much traffic Chattanooga has on a trip to Dollywood.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

You'll want travel insurance to protect you from any delayed flights, missing baggage, or accidents along the way. Even spraining an ankle in the mountains can cost a lot to be rescued if you don't have some kind of health insurance.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

What about weather in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 50°F 55°F 64°F 72°F 79°F 86°F 89°F 88°F 82°F 72°F 62°F 53°F
Temp 40°F 44°F 52°F 61°F 68°F 76°F 79°F 78°F 72°F 61°F 51°F 43°F
Low 33°F 36°F 43°F 51°F 59°F 67°F 70°F 70°F 63°F 51°F 42°F 36°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 10°C 12°C 17°C 22°C 26°C 30°C 31°C 31°C 27°C 22°C 16°C 11°C
Temp 4°C 6°C 11°C 16°C 20°C 24°C 26°C 25°C 22°C 16°C 10°C 6°C
Low 0°C 2°C 6°C 10°C 15°C 19°C 21°C 21°C 17°C 10°C 5°C 2°C

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