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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Arlington is 47% more expensive than Thornton.

$2,275/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 20%
$140,160/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 28%
$864,800 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 44%
$2,414/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 21%
235,463
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $465/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $5,580/year.

Median household income is $39,175/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Thornton — common questions

Is Arlington or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Thornton?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $465/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Thornton?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $39,175/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Thornton details →

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