Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Chattanooga and Des Moines have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Iowa salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,100 in Des Moines.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chattanooga scores 94 while Des Moines scores 96.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Des Moines (97).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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