Cost of Living in Collegedale, TN

With a cost of living index of 103, Collegedale, TN is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 3% more expensive than the national average and 23% above the Tennessee state average of 80. Collegedale is a smaller community of 11,185 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Collegedale's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,435 (9% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $332,700 (9% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.1x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Collegedale is $64,905, which is 14% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Everyday prices in the Chattanooga, TN-GA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.