Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Montgomery is 54% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,059/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 71%
$55,687/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 81%
$148,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 225%
$1,023/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 87%
198,440
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $751/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $9,012/year.

Median household income is $45,298/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Thornton — common questions

Is Montgomery or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Thornton?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $751/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Thornton?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $45,298/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Colorado?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Thornton details →

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