Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Thornton, CO (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

St. Louis is 52% cheaper than Thornton.

$978/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 85%
$55,279/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 83%
$185,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 161%
$1,013/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 89%
293,109
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $832/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $9,984/year.

Median household income is $45,706/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Thornton — common questions

Is St. Louis or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Thornton?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $832/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Thornton?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $45,706/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 St. Louis or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Thornton details →

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