Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Chattanooga is 41% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,155/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 44%
$61,028/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 37%
$259,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 112%
$1,112/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 52%
182,832
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $22,570/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $22,570/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Colorado?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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