Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Thornton is 57% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,810/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 36%
$100,985/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 27%
$482,200 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 36%
$1,914/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 38%
142,878
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $27,729/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Metairie — common questions

Is Thornton or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Metairie?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Metairie?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $27,729/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Louisiana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Metairie details →

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