Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Thornton, CO (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

St. Paul is 34% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,248/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 45%
$73,055/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 38%
$280,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 72%
$1,390/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 38%
307,762
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $562/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $6,744/year.

Median household income is $27,930/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Thornton — common questions

Is St. Paul or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Thornton?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $562/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Thornton?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $27,930/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Colorado?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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. Paul details → View Thornton details →

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