Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Thornton is 16% more expensive than Gresham.

$1,810/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 17%
$100,985/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 27%
$482,200 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$440,000 ↓ 9%
$1,914/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 17%
142,878
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $27,377/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Gresham — common questions

Is Thornton or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Gresham?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Gresham?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $27,377/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Oregon?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

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