Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Chattanooga is 41% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,155/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 57%
$61,028/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 65%
$259,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 86%
$1,112/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 72%
182,832
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $39,957/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Thornton — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Thornton?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Thornton?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $39,957/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Colorado?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chattanooga details → View Thornton details →

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