Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Springfield is 57% cheaper than Thornton.

$920/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 97%
$45,984/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 120%
$165,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 192%
$908/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 111%
169,432
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $890/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $10,680/year.

Median household income is $55,001/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Thornton — common questions

Is Springfield or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Thornton?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $890/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Thornton?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $55,001/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Colorado?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% 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 Springfield or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/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 Springfield details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Thornton

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton