Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Spokane is 35% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,141/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 59%
$65,745/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 54%
$326,200 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 48%
$1,213/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 58%
229,228
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $35,240/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Thornton — common questions

Is Spokane or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Thornton?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Thornton?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $35,240/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Thornton details →

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