Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Chattanooga, TN

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Chattanooga are Brainerd, Riverview, and Shallowford Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Chattanooga, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 6, 2026, the average rent in Chattanooga is $1,252, which is 0.4% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Brainerd

Average Rent

$1,004/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.3%

TransitScore® Rating

29/100

Units Available

21 Rentals

Brainerd is a well-established neighborhood offering a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments. Renters will appreciate the convenient access to shopping, dining, and major roadways. The area provides a suburban feel with the amenities of the city nearby.

Riverview

Average Rent

$1,021/Month

TransitScore® Rating

23/100

Units Available

12 Rentals

Riverview is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Riverview is $1,021 while the city average is $1,252. Residents enjoy convenient access to Southern Adventist University, Two North Shore, and Chattanooga Zoo. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 53.

Shallowford Hills

Average Rent

$1,039/Month

Units Available

13 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Chattanooga neighborhood on a budget, check out Shallowford Hills. The average rent is $1,039, compared to the city average of $1,252. Shallowford Hills is convenient to UT Chattanooga, Lovell Field, and UTC Clarence Jones Observatory.

Waterford Place

Average Rent

$1,039/Month

TransitScore® Rating

15/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Waterford Place is an affordable neighborhood in Chattanooga with an average rent price of $1,039. Compare this to the city average of $1,252. Waterford Place provides easy access to The Chase Center, UTC Clarence Jones Observatory, and Lee University. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 23.

Kings Point-Lake Vista

Average Rent

$1,051/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.7%

TransitScore® Rating

1/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chattanooga, Kings Point-Lake Vista might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,051, while the city’s average stands at $1,252. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.7%. Kings Point-Lake Vista is near UTC Clarence Jones Observatory, Chattanooga Zoo, and Lee University.

Brainerd Hills

Average Rent

$1,084/Month

TransitScore® Rating

24/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Brainerd Hills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Brainerd Hills is $1,084 while the city average is $1,252. Residents enjoy convenient access to Dalton State College, Tennessee Valley Railroad, and Chattanooga State Comm. Coll.. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 41.

Ridgedale-Oak Grove-Clifton Hills

Average Rent

$1,169/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.1%

TransitScore® Rating

24/100

Units Available

38 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Chattanooga neighborhood on a budget, check out Ridgedale-Oak Grove-Clifton Hills. The average rent is $1,169, compared to the city average of $1,252. Rent prices have decreased by 2.1%. Ridgedale-Oak Grove-Clifton Hills is convenient to 1600-1690 E 23rd St Shopping Center, UT Chattanooga, and Creative Discovery Museum. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 49.

Bushtown-Highland Park

Average Rent

$1,191/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

33/100

Units Available

23 Rentals

Bushtown-Highland Park is an affordable neighborhood in Chattanooga with an average rent price of $1,191. Compare this to the city average of $1,252. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Bushtown-Highland Park provides easy access to 1600-1690 E 23rd St Shopping Center, UTC Clarence Jones Observatory, and UT Chattanooga. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 56.

Midfield Acres

Average Rent

$1,218/Month

Units Available

11 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chattanooga, Midfield Acres might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,218, while the city’s average stands at $1,252. Midfield Acres is near Elise Chapin Sanctuary at Audubon Acres, Lovell Field, and Brook Stone Park.

Shepherd Community

Average Rent

$1,223/Month

TransitScore® Rating

16/100

Units Available

23 Rentals

Shepherd Community is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Shepherd Community is $1,223 while the city average is $1,252. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lovell Field, Southern Adventist University, and UT Chattanooga. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 36.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.