Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Fort Collins and Thornton have a similar cost of living.

$1,661/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 9%
$83,598/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 21%
$548,400 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 12%
$1,692/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 13%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $17,387/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Thornton — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Thornton?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Thornton?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $17,387/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 Fort Collins or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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.
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