Salary Needed to Live in Chattanooga as a Family

A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $49,160/year to live comfortably in Chattanooga, TN — including 15% savings.

Comfortable Salary
$49,160
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$39,328
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,458
16% below national avg

Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Chattanooga

ExpenseChattanoogaNat'l AvgDiff
🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent$145$209-31%
🛒 Groceries$46$44+5%
⚡ Utilities$21$28-25%
🚗 Transportation$26$44-41%
🛡️ Car Insurance$162$223-27%
🏥 Health Insurance$54$56-4%
Childcare/After-school$1,032$1,200-14%
Internet + Phones$155$180-14%
Children Activities$215$250-14%
Dining Out$301$350-14%
School Supplies & Clothing$172$200-14%
Healthcare Co-pays$129$150-14%
Total Monthly$2,458$2,934-16%

How We Calculated the Salary

Monthly expenses:$2,458
Target savings (15%):$542/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,000
Effective tax rate:25%

Gross annual salary needed:$49,160

Other Household Types in Chattanooga

Single Person
$16,486/yr
$893/mo expenses
Couple (No Kids)
$22,933/yr
$1,204/mo expenses
Retiree
$17,143/yr
$1,000/mo expenses

Related Pages

Living Alone in ChattanoogaCity OverviewAfford on $75K?Afford on $100K?Cost of Living

FAQ

What salary does a family with kids need in Chattanooga?
A family with kids needs approximately $49,160/year ($4,097/month gross) to live comfortably in Chattanooga with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Chattanooga?
A 3br apartment/house in Chattanooga costs approximately $145/month, which is the largest single expense at 6% of the total budget.
Is Chattanooga affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Chattanooga is 16% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.
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