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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Chattanooga is 21% more expensive than Independence.

$1,155/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 8%
$61,028/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 3%
$259,200 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 36%
$1,112/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 6%
182,832
Population
121,944

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $1,548/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Independence — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Independence?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Independence?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $1,548/year higher in Chattanooga.
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 Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Independence

Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor