Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Salt Lake City is 15% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,343/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 35%
$74,925/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 35%
$495,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 3%
$1,394/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 37%
203,888
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $26,060/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Thornton — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Thornton?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Thornton?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $26,060/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Colorado?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Thornton details →

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