Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Chattanooga and Columbia have a similar cost of living.

$1,155/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 8%
$61,028/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 6%
$259,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 4%
$1,112/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
182,832
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $3,460/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Columbia — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Columbia?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Columbia?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $3,460/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Missouri?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Columbia

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka