Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Thornton is 75% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,810/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 30%
$100,985/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 47%
$482,200 ↑ 155%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 61%
$1,914/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 35%
142,878
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.07%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $47,582/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Allentown — common questions

Is Thornton or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Allentown?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Allentown?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $47,582/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Pennsylvania?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Allentown

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo