Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Des Moines is 49% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,054/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 72%
$63,966/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 58%
$183,700 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 162%
$1,137/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 68%
212,464
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $756/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,072/year.

Median household income is $37,019/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Thornton — common questions

Is Des Moines or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Thornton?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $756/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Thornton?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $37,019/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Colorado?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Thornton details →

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