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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Glendale is 26% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,397/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 30%
$70,139/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 44%
$347,000 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 39%
$1,356/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 41%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $30,846/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Thornton — common questions

Is Glendale or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Thornton?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Thornton?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $30,846/year higher in Thornton.
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 Glendale or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Thornton details →

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Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton