Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Minneapolis is 26% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,329/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 36%
$80,269/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 26%
$345,600 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 40%
$1,513/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 27%
426,845
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $20,716/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Thornton — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Thornton?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Thornton?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $20,716/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Colorado?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Thornton details →

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