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 an affordable neighborhood in Chattanooga with an average rent price of $1,021. Compare this to the city average of $1,252. Riverview provides easy access to Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Lee University, and Village At Riverview. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 53.

Shallowford Hills

Average Rent

$1,039/Month

Units Available

13 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chattanooga, Shallowford Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,039, while the city’s average stands at $1,252. Shallowford Hills is near Lovell Field, Chattanooga State Comm. Coll., and Tennessee Valley Railroad.

Waterford Place

Average Rent

$1,039/Month

TransitScore® Rating

15/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Waterford Place is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Waterford Place is $1,039 while the city average is $1,252. Residents enjoy convenient access to The Chase Center, Southern Adventist University, and UTC Clarence Jones Observatory. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent 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

When you’re looking for a great Chattanooga neighborhood on a budget, check out Kings Point-Lake Vista. The average rent is $1,051, compared to the city average of $1,252. Rent prices have decreased by 1.7%. Kings Point-Lake Vista is convenient to Lovell Field, UT Chattanooga, and 58 Plaza Shopping Center. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 34.

Brainerd Hills

Average Rent

$1,084/Month

TransitScore® Rating

24/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Brainerd Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Chattanooga with an average rent price of $1,084. Compare this to the city average of $1,252. Brainerd Hills provides easy access to Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga State Comm. Coll., and Elise Chapin Sanctuary at Audubon Acres. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood 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

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chattanooga, Ridgedale-Oak Grove-Clifton Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,169, while the city’s average stands at $1,252. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.1%. Ridgedale-Oak Grove-Clifton Hills is near Incline Railway, Southern Adventist University, and Tennessee River Gorge Trust.

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 a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Bushtown-Highland Park is $1,191 while the city average is $1,252. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Chattanooga State Comm. Coll., UT Chattanooga, and 1600-1690 E 23rd St Shopping Center. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 56.

Midfield Acres

Average Rent

$1,218/Month

Units Available

11 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Chattanooga neighborhood on a budget, check out Midfield Acres. The average rent is $1,218, compared to the city average of $1,252. Midfield Acres is convenient to Chattanooga State Comm. Coll., UTC Clarence Jones Observatory, and Southern Adventist University.

Shepherd Community

Average Rent

$1,223/Month

TransitScore® Rating

16/100

Units Available

23 Rentals

Shepherd Community is an affordable neighborhood in Chattanooga with an average rent price of $1,223. Compare this to the city average of $1,252. Shepherd Community provides easy access to Chattanooga Zoo, Lee University, and Chattanooga State Comm. Coll.. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood 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.