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

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Fort Lauderdale is 4% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,776/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 2%
$79,935/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 26%
$455,600 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 6%
$1,778/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 8%
183,032
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,050/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Thornton — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Thornton?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Thornton?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $21,050/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Colorado?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

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