01 · the cities
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs sits at the foot of Pikes Peak (which inspired America the Beautiful), with the Garden of the Gods' red rock formations rising on the city's western edge. The Air Force Academy chapel is one of the most striking pieces of modernist religious architecture in the country. It's drier and sunnier than people expect, with strong evangelical and military communities shaping the city's character. Outdoorsy in a quiet way.
full dispatch→Chattanooga
Chattanooga became the first city in the country to roll out gigabit fiber internet to every home (2010, via the municipal utility), which jump-started a tech and remote-work scene. Lookout Mountain rises right above town, with Ruby Falls' underground waterfall and Rock City's epic views. The Tennessee Riverwalk is gorgeous. The Choo Choo (old terminal turned hotel) is a fun stay.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,733/mo
$1,524/mo
$209/mo less than Colorado Springs (14%)
Median home price
Median home price
$463k
$322k
$141k less than Colorado Springs
State income tax
State income tax
4.4%
0%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,234/mo
$6,809/mo
Chattanooga has $575/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
184 days
167 days
17 fewer than Colorado Springs
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
0 days
16 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
75 days
5 days
days below 20°F per year
Chattanooga has 16 more days above 95°F each year than Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs drops below 20°F on 70 more days per year than Chattanooga.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
71 / 100
69 / 100
2.0 pts behind Colorado Springs
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
11 routes
8 routes
3 fewer direct routes than Colorado Springs
Metro size
Metro size
769k metro
580k metro
Colorado Springs has 1.9x more events per month than Chattanooga.
the verdict
4
Colorado Springs
categories won
5
Chattanooga
categories won
Chattanooga wins on money. Colorado Springs has the edge on weather and lifestyle.
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