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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Chattanooga is 43% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,155/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 51%
$61,028/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 41%
$259,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 111%
$1,112/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 55%
182,832
Population
156,309

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
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $24,761/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Lakewood?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Lakewood?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $24,761/year higher in Lakewood.
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 Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chattanooga and Lakewood

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