Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Des Moines is 14% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,054/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 10%
$63,966/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 5%
$183,700 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 41%
$1,137/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 2%
212,464
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $2,938/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Des Moines or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $2,938/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Tennessee?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Chattanooga details →

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