Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Lincoln is 44% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,045/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 73%
$69,991/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 44%
$248,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 94%
$1,140/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 68%
291,932
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $30,994/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Thornton — common questions

Is Lincoln or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Thornton?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Thornton?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $30,994/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Colorado?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Thornton details →

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