Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Lakewood is 2% more expensive than Thornton.

$1,746/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 4%
$85,789/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 18%
$548,200 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 12%
$1,729/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 11%
156,309
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

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $15,196/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Thornton — common questions

Is Lakewood or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Thornton?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Thornton?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $15,196/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 Lakewood or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Thornton details →

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