Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Thornton is 10% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,810/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 9%
$100,985/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 14%
$482,200 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 5%
$1,914/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 16%
142,878
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $14,006/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Sparks — common questions

Is Thornton or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Sparks?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Sparks?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $14,006/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Nevada?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Sparks details →

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