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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Phoenix is 21% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,458/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 24%
$77,041/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 31%
$381,900 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 26%
$1,430/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 34%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $23,944/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Thornton — common questions

Is Phoenix or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Thornton?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Thornton?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $23,944/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 Phoenix or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Thornton

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton