Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Thornton is 53% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,810/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 30%
$100,985/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 13%
$482,200 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 48%
$1,914/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 22%
142,878
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $12,669/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Elgin — common questions

Is Thornton or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Elgin?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Elgin?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $12,669/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Elgin

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont