Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Thornton is 38% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,810/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 28%
$100,985/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 37%
$482,200 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 27%
$1,914/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
142,878
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $37,085/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Thornton or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Wilmington?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Wilmington?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $37,085/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Wilmington details →

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