Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Salem is 24% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,323/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 37%
$71,900/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 40%
$382,400 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 26%
$1,440/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 33%
176,666
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $29,085/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Thornton — common questions

Is Salem or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Thornton?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Thornton?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $29,085/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Colorado?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Thornton details →

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