Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Thornton is 103% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,810/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 48%
$100,985/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 45%
$482,200 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 55%
$1,914/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 49%
142,878
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $864/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $10,368/year.

Median household income is $45,809/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Thornton or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $864/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $45,809/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Mexico?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria