Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Thornton is 52% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,810/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 18%
$100,985/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 33%
$482,200 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 49%
$1,914/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 37%
142,878
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $33,464/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Thornton or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $33,464/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Palm Bay

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock