Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Chattanooga is 25% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,155/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 7%
$61,028/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 3%
$259,200 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 43%
$1,112/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 5%
182,832
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $1,845/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Kansas City?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Kansas City?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $1,845/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Kansas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Kansas City details →

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