Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Gilbert is 7% more expensive than Thornton.

$2,028/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 11%
$121,351/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 17%
$518,600 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 7%
$1,908/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ≈ Same
271,118
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $20,366/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Thornton — common questions

Is Gilbert or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Thornton?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Thornton?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $20,366/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Thornton

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton