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Chattanooga is known as the Scenic City due to its natural trails, bodies of water and nearby mountains. The city is home to more than 181,000 people, with 17% aged 65 and older. The cost of living is lower than the state and national average, and the state doesn’t have an income tax, so retirement and pension accounts aren’t taxed.
Assisted living facilities in Chattanooga are residential care communities for active adults who require varying levels of personal and medical assistance. They provide help with personal care, including dressing, grooming and housekeeping, as well as some medical care and meals. These communities have an average monthly cost of $4,220 in Chattanooga, which is slightly higher than the state average but lower than the national average.
This guide covers the cost of assisted living in the city compared to the state and national averages. It also includes a list of resources to help seniors live happier and healthier lives.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Tennessee. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the monthly cost of assisted living in Chattanooga is $4,220. Compared to Chattanooga’s cost, the state average is $115 less at $4,105 per month, and the national average is $280 more, at $4,500.
Most cities in Tennessee have lower assisted living costs than Chattanooga. Memphis facilities run approximately $20 less per month, and Nashville and Johnson City facilities are around $120 less. The median cost of assisted living in Knoxville is $3,823, which is $397 less than Chattanooga’s average. Clarksville has one of the lowest costs in the state at $3,215, which is $1,005 less than Chattanooga. Just to the east of Chattanooga, Cleveland’s monthly assisted living costs are around $4,835.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Tennessee.
Chattanooga seniors considering assisted living have access to public and private agencies that improve their overall quality of life. These resources help address a variety of needs from insurance counseling to recreational programs.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Eastgate Senior Activity Center | (423) 855-9444 | Located inside the Eastgate Mall, the Eastgate Senior Activity Center is a safe place for seniors to gather and stay active. Operated by the city, it provides services, including billiards, board games, arts and crafts, walking, Wii sports, computers, dancing, Bible study and cardio. |
| Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability | (615) 741-2056 | The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability focuses on programs and services that improve the quality of life for seniors in the state. These programs include information and assistance, nutrition, guardianship, transportation and home and community-based services. |
| Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability | (866) 836-6678 | Resources and programs are available to older adults and those with disabilities through the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability. These services include congregate meals, health promotion programs, nutrition transportation, insurance counseling, guardianship services, family caregiver support and information on topics of interest to seniors. |
| Legal Aid of East Tennessee | (423) 928-8311 | Legal Aid of East Tennessee provides free legal assistance to seniors on limited incomes throughout 26 eastern Tennessee counties. The organization advocates for victims of domestic violence and helps with consumer issues, housing and public benefits. |
| Hamilton County Department of Human Services | (423) 436-6200 | The Hamilton Department of Human Services connects seniors with programs and local resources, including insurance counseling, food stamps, adult protection, case management and volunteer opportunities. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Chattanooga area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
