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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Thornton is 126% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,810/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 48%
$100,985/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 35%
$482,200 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 68%
$1,914/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 49%
142,878
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $865/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $10,380/year.

Median household income is $35,448/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Springfield — common questions

Is Thornton or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Springfield?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $865/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Springfield?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $35,448/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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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