Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Worcester is 25% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,415/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 28%
$67,544/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 50%
$339,500 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 42%
$1,521/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 26%
205,501
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $33,441/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Thornton — common questions

Is Worcester or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Thornton?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Thornton?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $33,441/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Colorado?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Thornton details →

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