Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Norman, OK (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Thornton is 82% more expensive than Norman.

$1,810/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 41%
$100,985/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 36%
$482,200 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 50%
$1,914/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 41%
142,878
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $746/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $8,952/year.

Median household income is $35,925/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Norman — common questions

Is Thornton or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Norman?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $746/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Norman?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $35,925/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Oklahoma?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Norman details →

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