Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Albuquerque is 42% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,085/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 67%
$65,604/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 54%
$266,700 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 81%
$1,149/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 67%
562,488
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $725/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,700/year.

Median household income is $35,381/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Thornton — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Thornton?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $725/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Thornton?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $35,381/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Colorado?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/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 Albuquerque details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

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