Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Thornton is 5% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,810/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 5%
$100,985/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 2%
$482,200 ≈ Same
Home Value
$485,000 ≈ Same
$1,914/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 16%
142,878
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.8%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $2,299/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Meridian — common questions

Is Thornton or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Meridian?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Meridian?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $2,299/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Idaho?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Meridian details →

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