Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Thornton is 48% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,810/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 27%
$100,985/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 13%
$482,200 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 40%
$1,914/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 30%
142,878
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $494/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,928/year.

Median household income is $13,218/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Rochester — common questions

Is Thornton or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Rochester?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $494/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Rochester?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $13,218/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Minnesota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Rochester details →

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