Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Thornton is 112% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,810/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 49%
$100,985/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 33%
$482,200 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 63%
$1,914/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 43%
142,878
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $885/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $10,620/year.

Median household income is $33,126/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Thornton or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $885/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $33,126/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Iowa?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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