Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Buffalo is 56% cheaper than Thornton.

$989/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 83%
$48,050/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 110%
$152,300 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 217%
$929/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 106%
276,397
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $821/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $9,852/year.

Median household income is $52,935/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Thornton — common questions

Is Buffalo or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Thornton?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $821/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Thornton?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $52,935/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between New York and Colorado?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/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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