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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Wichita is 53% cheaper than Thornton.

$960/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 89%
$63,072/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 60%
$179,500 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 169%
$994/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 93%
396,488
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $850/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $10,200/year.

Median household income is $37,913/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Thornton — common questions

Is Wichita or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Thornton?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $850/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Thornton?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $37,913/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Colorado?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Thornton details →

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