Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Boise is 19% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,359/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 33%
$81,308/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 24%
$456,000 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 6%
$1,337/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 43%
235,701
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $451/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $5,412/year.

Median household income is $19,677/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Thornton — common questions

Is Boise or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Thornton?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $451/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Thornton?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $19,677/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Colorado?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Thornton details →

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