Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Denver is 7% more expensive than Thornton.

$1,770/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 2%
$91,681/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 10%
$586,700 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 18%
$1,839/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 4%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,304/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Thornton — common questions

Is Denver or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Thornton?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Thornton?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $9,304/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 Denver or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Thornton details →

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