Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Alexandria is 35% more expensive than Thornton.

$2,031/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 11%
$113,638/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 11%
$696,800 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 31%
$2,173/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 12%
156,788
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $12,653/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Thornton — common questions

Is Alexandria or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Thornton?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Thornton?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $12,653/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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.
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