Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Thornton, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 15.2% cheaper than Thornton, CO. This translates to saving $1143 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Thornton, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Thornton, CO, you'd need approximately $136,281.377 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Thornton, CO and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 27.3% cheaper than in Thornton, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,748/month in Thornton, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Thornton, CO to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Thornton, CO to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1143 per month, or $13719 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Thornton, CO vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Thornton, CO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Denver, CO area

Current salary in Thornton, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.3K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 15.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,143

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Thornton, CO

Population:145K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$417K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:85

Median Home:$263K

Thornton, CO

The Centennial State

145K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 145K residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Thornton, CO vs Columbus, OH

Category	Thornton, CO	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,822/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $769less	27.3%
📦Other	$1,713/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $156less	9.1%
⚡All Utilities	$510/mo	$464/mo	↓ $45.56less	8.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,411/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $44.94less	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,011/mo	$969/mo	↓ $41.95less	4.1%
🏥Healthcare	$621/mo	$607/mo	↓ $13.73less	2.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 27.3%

Thornton, CO

$2,822

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$769

less

📦Other

↓ 9.1%

Thornton, CO

$1,713

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$156

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.9%

Thornton, CO

$510

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$45.56

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.2%

Thornton, CO

$1,411

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$44.94

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.1%

Thornton, CO

$1,011

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$41.95

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.2%

Thornton, CO

$621

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$13.73

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Thornton, CO has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,378

To$1,020

↓ $358

1 Bed

From$1,469

To$1,100

↓ $369

2 Bed

From$1,748

To$1,315

↓ $433

3 Bed

From$2,289

To$1,575

↓ $714

Thornton, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,790–$1,790/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,088

Monthly in Thornton, CO

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$1,071

Difference

Home Values

Thornton

Columbus

$417K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +19.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$417K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 37% less expensive than Thornton

Calculate payment - Thornton Calculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$181

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Thornton, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Thornton, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.