COLD

Cost of Living in Thornton, CO

Population 142,878 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

150
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The Thornton cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $482,000, rents near $1,810 a month.

Cost Overview

Housing 158
Rent 138

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Thornton

The median home value in Thornton is $482,200 — 58% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,810/month, 38% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,985/year is 35% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. Overall, Thornton has a cost of living index of 150 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$482,200
58% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$497,740
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,810/mo
38% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,888/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$884
1 BR
$960
2 BR
$1,251
3 BR
$1,611
4 BR
$2,004
Owner-occupied 73.1%
Renter-occupied 26.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,810
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,424/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
33.1 min
23% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.5%
Carpooled
9.9%
Public transit
1.9%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
13.8%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.8%
State rate 2.9%
Avg local rate 4.9%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$100,985
35% above avg
Per Capita Income
$41,869
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Labor Force Participation
74.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.3%
Graduate degree 9.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.3
Male median age 33.6
Female median age 35

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
49%
Good air days/yr
174
Max AQI recorded
112
PM2.5 days
180
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Thornton, CO?

Thornton has a cost index of 150 (100 = national average). It is 50% above the national average.

What is average rent in Thornton, CO?

The median gross rent in Thornton is $1,810 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Thornton?

The median home value in Thornton is $482,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Thornton?

The median household income in Thornton is $100,985 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Thornton, CO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Thornton is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Thornton, CO affordable?

Thornton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 150 — about 50% higher than the national average.

Thornton at a Glance

Population
142,878
Median Income
$100,985
Home Value
$482,200
Median Rent
$1,810/mo
Unemployment
4.6%
Sales Tax
7.8%
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