Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Madison is 25% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,364/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 33%
$76,983/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 31%
$346,900 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 39%
$1,476/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 30%
275,568
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $24,002/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Thornton — common questions

Is Madison or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Thornton?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Thornton?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $24,002/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Colorado?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Thornton details →

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