Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Providence is 28% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,333/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 36%
$66,772/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 51%
$322,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 49%
$1,467/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 30%
190,214
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $34,213/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Thornton — common questions

Is Providence or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Thornton?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Thornton?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $34,213/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Colorado?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Thornton details →

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