Collegedale, TN vs Oak Ridge, TN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Oak Ridge is 22.7% cheaper than Collegedale. With a cost index of 84 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Oak Ridge to Collegedale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Collegedale is $1,435/month compared to $1,076/month in Oak Ridge — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oak Ridge is more affordable at $233,500 median vs $332,700.

Median household income in Collegedale is $64,905 compared to $71,000 in Oak Ridge (-8.6%). Oak Ridge offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Collegedale spend roughly 26.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18.2% in Oak Ridge.