Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Thornton is 23% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,810/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 19%
$100,985/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 37%
$482,200 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 18%
$1,914/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 19%
142,878
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $37,111/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Thornton or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $37,111/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Jersey?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

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