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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Thornton is 68% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,810/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 28%
$100,985/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 40%
$482,200 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 52%
$1,914/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 40%
142,878
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $40,038/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Thornton or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Lakeland?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Lakeland?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $40,038/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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Lakeland

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon