Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Thornton is 16% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,810/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 11%
$100,985/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 25%
$482,200 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 18%
$1,914/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 13%
142,878
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $24,780/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Lowell — common questions

Is Thornton or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Lowell?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Lowell?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $24,780/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Lowell

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury