Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Durham is 24% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,412/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 28%
$79,234/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 27%
$355,300 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 36%
$1,434/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 33%
288,465
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $21,751/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Thornton — common questions

Is Durham or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Thornton?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Thornton?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $21,751/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Thornton details →

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