Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Chandler is 3% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,806/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ≈ Same
$103,691/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 3%
$469,800 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 3%
$1,743/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 10%
278,123
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,706/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Thornton — common questions

Is Chandler or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Thornton?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Thornton?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $2,706/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Thornton details →

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