Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Reno is 12% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,453/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 25%
$78,448/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 29%
$498,600 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 3%
$1,482/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 29%
268,959
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $22,537/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Thornton — common questions

Is Reno or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Thornton?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Thornton?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $22,537/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Colorado?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Thornton details →

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