Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Rochester is 56% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,039/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 74%
$46,628/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 117%
$120,600 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 300%
$1,009/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 90%
209,720
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $771/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,252/year.

Median household income is $54,357/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Thornton — common questions

Is Rochester or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Thornton?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $771/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Thornton?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $54,357/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between New York and Colorado?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Thornton

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton