Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Naperville is 7% more expensive than Thornton.

$1,852/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 2%
$150,937/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 33%
$509,900 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 5%
$2,161/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 11%
149,424
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $49,952/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Thornton — common questions

Is Naperville or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Thornton?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Thornton?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $49,952/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Colorado?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/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 Naperville details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Thornton

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton