Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Chicago is 28% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,380/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 31%
$75,134/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 34%
$315,200 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 53%
$1,502/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 27%
2,707,648
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $25,851/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Thornton — common questions

Is Chicago or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Thornton?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Thornton?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $25,851/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Colorado?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Thornton details →

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