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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Milwaukee is 51% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,033/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 75%
$51,888/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 95%
$172,000 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 180%
$1,082/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 77%
569,756
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $777/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $9,324/year.

Median household income is $49,097/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Thornton — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Thornton?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $777/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Thornton?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $49,097/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 Milwaukee or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Thornton details →

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