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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Kansas City and Chattanooga have a similar cost of living.

$1,186/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 3%
$67,449/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 10%
$227,000 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 14%
$1,205/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 8%
508,233
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,421/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Kansas City or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $6,421/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Tennessee?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Chattanooga details →

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