Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Thornton is 82% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,810/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 35%
$100,985/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 49%
$482,200 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 62%
$1,914/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 33%
142,878
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $630/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $7,560/year.

Median household income is $49,343/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Thornton or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Waterbury?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $630/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Waterbury?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $49,343/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Connecticut?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Waterbury details →

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