Parker, CO vs Thornton, CO

Thornton is moderately more affordable than Parker, with a 11.9% lower cost of living index. Parker scores 147 compared to 131 for Thornton, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Parker can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Parker is $1,973/month compared to $1,810/month in Thornton — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Thornton is more affordable at $482,200 median vs $613,200.

Median household income in Parker is $129,342 compared to $100,985 in Thornton (+28.1%). While Parker is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Parker spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Thornton.