Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Birmingham is 55% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,047/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 73%
$44,376/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 128%
$138,600 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 248%
$991/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 93%
199,322
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $56,609/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Thornton — common questions

Is Birmingham or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Thornton?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Thornton?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $56,609/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Colorado?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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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