Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Thornton is 31% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,810/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 15%
$100,985/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 36%
$482,200 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 32%
$1,914/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 26%
142,878
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $271/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $3,252/year.

Median household income is $36,545/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Thornton or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Clearwater?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $271/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Clearwater?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $36,545/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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