Arvada, CO vs. Thornton, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Arvada vs Thornton. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Arvada vs Thornton in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Arvada and Thornton stack up for typical rentals and home prices:
| Housing Type | Arvada | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,950 | $1,850 |
| 3BR Single-Family Home (Median Price) | $550,000 | $490,000 |
🏆 Winner: Thornton. Housing costs an estimated 5-10% less in Thornton compared to Arvada.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a major monthly expense. In Arvada, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment. Thornton utility costs are similar, averaging $175/month.
Both cities have cold winters and mild summers, so heating costs exceed cooling. Budget an extra $40-50/month for winter gas bills.
🏆 Winner: Thornton, but only slightly. Utility costs are nearly identical between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases cost about the same in Arvada and Thornton. Expect to spend around $400/month per person on groceries and household items in either city.
A meal out costs $12-15 per person on average. Most chain stores and restaurants charge the same prices in both suburbs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. The cost of food and daily goods is comparable.
4. Taxes and Fees
Arvada’s property tax rate is 0.7%, while Thornton’s is slightly higher at 0.8%. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of about $500/year.
In Arvada, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-400/month. Thornton HOAs are similar, typically $180-350/month.
🏆 Winner: Arvada. The lower property tax can save hundreds per year, especially for high-value homes.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Arvada | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $2,600 | $2,300 |
| Utilities | $180 | $175 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Taxes (0.7% vs 0.8%) | $320 | $365 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,810 | $3,550 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Arvada offers a quaint downtown with local shops and eateries. It’s bikeable and has ample parks and trails. However, commutes into Denver often face traffic on I-70.
Thornton is more spread out and suburban, with chain retailers and restaurants. It has more public transportation options, including the N Line commuter rail.
Thornton averages 245 sunny days per year – 10 more than Arvada.
7. FAQ
- Is Arvada more affordable than Thornton? Thornton has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. However, Arvada’s lower property taxes can help offset costs for homeowners.
- Which city has lower rent? Thornton rent prices are about 5% lower than Arvada. A typical 2BR apartment costs $1,850/month in Thornton vs. $1,950 in Arvada.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? The median home price in Thornton is about 10% less than Arvada – around $490,000 compared to $550,000 for a 3BR.
8. Conclusion
Thornton offers a lower cost of living overall, primarily due to more affordable housing. A household moving from Arvada to Thornton might save $300/month on housing alone.
However, Arvada’s lower property tax rate and charming downtown may appeal to some buyers. Ultimately, the best fit depends on your lifestyle priorities and budget.
For more insights, check out our guides on [Monthly Budget Examples for Arvada Residents](/arvada-co/monthly-budget/) and the full [Cost of Living in Arvada (2025 Guide)](/arvada-co/cost-overview/). We also have cost of living breakdowns for other popular Colorado cities and suburbs.