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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Memphis is 51% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,123/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 61%
$51,211/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 97%
$157,100 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 207%
$1,087/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 76%
629,063
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $49,774/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Thornton — common questions

Is Memphis or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Thornton?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Thornton?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $49,774/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 Memphis or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Thornton details →

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