Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Surprise is 9% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,917/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 6%
$93,371/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 8%
$396,000 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 22%
$1,587/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 21%
149,519
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $7,614/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Thornton — common questions

Is Surprise or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Thornton?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Thornton?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $7,614/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Thornton

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton