Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Thornton is 126% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,810/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 47%
$100,985/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 42%
$482,200 ↑ 223%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 69%
$1,914/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 47%
142,878
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $859/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $10,308/year.

Median household income is $42,269/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Peoria — common questions

Is Thornton or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Peoria?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $859/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Peoria?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $42,269/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Peoria

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo