Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Thornton is 42% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,810/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 51%
$100,985/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 25%
$482,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 116%
$1,914/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 38%
142,878
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $932/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $11,184/year.

Median household income is $25,484/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Thornton or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Cambridge?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $932/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Cambridge?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $25,484/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Cambridge details →

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