Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Thornton is 176% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,810/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 52%
$100,985/yr ↑ 132%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 57%
$482,200 ↑ 417%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 81%
$1,914/mo ↑ 130%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 56%
142,878
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $944/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $11,328/year.

Median household income is $57,531/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Dayton — common questions

Is Thornton or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Dayton?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $944/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Dayton?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $57,531/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Ohio?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

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