Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Richmond is 29% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,314/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 38%
$62,671/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 61%
$328,100 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 47%
$1,374/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 39%
227,595
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $496/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $5,952/year.

Median household income is $38,314/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Thornton — common questions

Is Richmond or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Thornton?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $496/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Thornton?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $38,314/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Thornton details →

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