Centennial, CO vs. Thornton, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Centennial vs Thornton. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Centennial vs Thornton in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Centennial and Thornton compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Centennial | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,950 | $1,750 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $650,000 | $575,000 |
🏆 Winner: Thornton. Renting a 2BR apartment costs about $200 less per month, while buying a 3BR house is around $75,000 cheaper in Thornton compared to Centennial.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a key monthly expense. In Centennial, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash. Thornton utility costs are similar, averaging $175 monthly. Both cities have seasonal swings, with summer A/C and winter heating adding $40-60 to monthly bills.
🏆 Winner: Thornton, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, expect to budget about $1,100 per month for groceries and household items in Centennial. In Thornton, the same items cost around $1,050 monthly. Eating out is also slightly cheaper in Thornton, with a typical meal for two averaging $45 vs. $50 in Centennial.
🏆 Winner: Thornton has the edge for everyday expenses, with savings of 5-10% on groceries and dining out compared to Centennial.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are a significant cost for homeowners. Centennial’s property tax rate is 0.72%, while Thornton’s is higher at 0.84%. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of $600 per year. Both cities charge similar fees for services and permits.
In Centennial, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, adding $200-400 to monthly housing costs for many residents. Thornton has fewer HOAs, so fees are less common.
🏆 Winner: Centennial. While Thornton has lower everyday costs, Centennial’s lower property tax can lead to long-term savings, especially for high-value homes.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Centennial | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home)* | $3,250 | $2,875 |
| Utilities | $180 | $175 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $1,050 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes (0.72% vs 0.84%) | $390 | $455 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,920 | $5,505 |
*Based on a $650K home price in Centennial and $575K in Thornton, with 20% down and a 30-year fixed mortgage at 4.5% APR. Figures are gross monthly estimates. See our Monthly Budget Examples for Centennial Residents for more details.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Centennial offers more upscale suburban living, with larger lots, top-rated schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation. However, this comes at a cost, with higher housing prices and longer commutes to Denver.
Thornton provides an attractive mix of affordability and amenities. While lots are smaller, Thornton has more public transportation options and a quicker drive to Denver. Thornton is also 5°F cooler on average during summer months.
7. FAQ
- Is Centennial more affordable than Thornton? Not overall. Thornton has lower costs for housing, groceries, and utilities.
- Which city has lower rent? Thornton. A typical 2BR apartment rents for $1,750 vs. $1,950 in Centennial.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Thornton, with a median 3BR price of $575,000 compared to $650,000 in Centennial.
8. Conclusion
Thornton comes out ahead for cost of living in this 2025 comparison. Families and professionals looking to balance affordability with amenities may prefer Thornton. However, Centennial remains appealing for those prioritizing space, schools, and recreation.
Ultimately, the best fit depends on your lifestyle and budget. Be sure to compare factors like walkability, safety, and schools alongside the numbers. For more insights, read our full Cost of Living in Centennial (2025 Guide).