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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Denver is 81% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,770/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 35%
$91,681/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 33%
$586,700 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 56%
$1,839/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 40%
713,734
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $615/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $7,380/year.

Median household income is $30,653/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Denver or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $615/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $30,653/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Tennessee?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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