same $100k income, fresh start from Trenton
changea dispatch from
chattanooga
TN
35.05°N
85.31°W
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.
the verdict
under Trenton, every month
Chattanooga is the kind of cheap that changes the math. Same salary, a different life on the other side.
a quick ledger.
$1,524/mo
40% cheaper than Trenton(vs $2,540/mo)
0%
$531/mo less in state tax than Trenton
vs 6.37% in Trenton
$6,809/mo
$1,546 more than Trenton
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$322k
29% cheaper than Trenton
vs $456k in Trenton
580k
vs 382k in Trenton
field notes, weather & such.
167
pleasant days a year, in chattanooga.
Trenton edges ahead with 171 pleasant days.
109% more happening than in Trenton.
69/100
3% lower than Trenton
vs 71/100 in Trenton
Closest outdoor draw: Cumberland Trail, 12.2 mi.
82/100
7% lower than Trenton
vs 88/100 in Trenton
8
93% fewer than Trenton
vs 123 nonstops in Trenton
in the same ballpark as chattanooga:
