Chattanooga vs Des Moines for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Chattanooga Tennessee | Des Moines Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,250 | $1,200Better |
| Median home price | $275K | $255KBetter |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 5.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 9.5% | 6.9%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $165 | $155Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 94Better | 96 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $430Better | $435 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 28 / 100 | 36 / 100Better |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 86Better | 87 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Chattanooga or Des Moines?
Chattanooga and Des Moines are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Chattanooga or Des Moines?
Tennessee has no state income tax, meaning Social Security, pension, and retirement account withdrawals are not subject to state tax. Iowa has a 5.7% state income tax rate. For retirees, this difference can save thousands annually.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Chattanooga vs Des Moines?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $430 in Chattanooga and $435 in Des Moines. That's a difference of ~$5/month, or ~$60/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Chattanooga on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Chattanooga, rent alone would consume approximately 30% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,250/mo) and healthcare another ~10%. That leaves roughly 60% (~$2,500/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Des Moines has a higher walk score (36 vs 28 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Des Moines offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Chattanooga has the same purchasing power as $51K/year in Des Moines
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026