Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Colorado Springs is 14% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,562/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 16%
$83,198/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 21%
$420,700 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 15%
$1,592/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 20%
483,099
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $17,787/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Thornton — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Thornton?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Thornton?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $17,787/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Colorado?
Both cities are in Colorado and share the same state tax rates: 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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 Colorado Springs details → View Thornton details →

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