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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Mesa is 22% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,478/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 22%
$78,779/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 28%
$364,300 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 32%
$1,404/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 36%
507,478
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $22,206/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Thornton — common questions

Is Mesa or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Thornton?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Thornton?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $22,206/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 Mesa or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

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