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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Chattanooga is 40% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,155/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 18%
$61,028/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 8%
$259,200 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 50%
$1,112/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 16%
182,832
Population
126,103

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $5,126/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Topeka — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Topeka?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Topeka?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $5,126/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 Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Topeka details →

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