RentData

Average Rent in Chattanooga, GA↑ Rents rising 15.7% YoY🔺 5th priciest in GA

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 569,333

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Chattanooga, GA has rental prices ranging from $1,231/month to $1,942/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,284/month — 8% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $68,666/year, spending $1,284/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Chattanooga Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,426/month, Chattanooga ranks #5 most expensive of the 114 cities tracked in Georgia — pricier than 90% of all US cities in our data.

The Chattanooga Rental Market

The Chattanooga, GA area has a population of about 569,333 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Chattanooga, GA have risen by $194/month (15.7%) over the past year, from $1,232 to $1,426. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Chattanooga, GA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $51,360. The local median household income of $68,666 exceeds that threshold by $17,306, making Chattanooga relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,231
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,284
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,426
↑15.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,796
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,942
Average
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Is Chattanooga, GA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$57,040/year
Local median income: $68,666
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,426/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in GAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Atlanta$1,591$1,653$1,830$2,205—
Augusta$868$1,039$1,175$1,545—
Savannah$1,324$1,431$1,584$2,131—
Talbot County$723$767$905$1,268—
Stewart County$770$817$964$1,161—
Macon$1,014$1,082$1,252$1,508—

Rent or Buy in Chattanooga?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Chattanooga data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,426/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,426/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Chattanooga

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Chattanooga

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💵Rent Affordability in Chattanooga

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in GA

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⚖️Compare Chattanooga

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📋GA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections