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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Tacoma is 9% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,597/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 13%
$83,857/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 20%
$454,600 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 6%
$1,747/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 10%
220,482
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $17,128/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Thornton — common questions

Is Tacoma or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Thornton?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Thornton?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $17,128/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 Tacoma or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Thornton details →

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