Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Athens, GA (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Thornton is 66% more expensive than Athens.

$1,810/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 36%
$100,985/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 49%
$482,200 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 44%
$1,914/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 39%
142,878
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $648/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $7,776/year.

Median household income is $49,330/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Athens — common questions

Is Thornton or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Athens?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $648/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Athens?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $49,330/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Georgia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Athens details →

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