Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Thornton is 138% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,810/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 48%
$100,985/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 45%
$482,200 ↑ 269%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 73%
$1,914/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 51%
142,878
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $45,083/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Topeka — common questions

Is Thornton or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Topeka?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Topeka?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $45,083/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kansas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Topeka details →

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