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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Tempe is 13% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,623/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 12%
$77,643/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 30%
$421,900 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 14%
$1,554/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 23%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $23,342/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Thornton — common questions

Is Tempe or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Thornton?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Thornton?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $23,342/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 Tempe or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Thornton details →

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