Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Chattanooga is 25% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,155/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 20%
$61,028/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 11%
$259,200 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 32%
$1,112/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 3%
182,832
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $6,831/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $6,831/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Iowa?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Cedar Rapids

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