Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Thornton is 9% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,810/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ≈ Same
$100,985/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 12%
$482,200 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 25%
$1,914/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 2%
142,878
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,411/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Arvada — common questions

Is Thornton or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Arvada?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Arvada?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $12,411/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Colorado?
Both cities are in Colorado and share the same state tax rates: 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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