Northglenn, CO vs. Thornton, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Picture this: You’re apartment hunting in the Denver suburbs and weighing your options between Northglenn and Thornton. In Northglenn, you find a cozy 2-bedroom for $1,850/month. Groceries run about $450 for the basics. Meanwhile, in Thornton, a similar apartment is going for $2,100/month, but the grocery bill comes in slightly lower at $425. Which city makes more sense for your budget?
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Northglenn vs Thornton. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Northglenn vs Thornton in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Let’s dive into the numbers. Here’s a quick comparison of typical housing costs in Northglenn and Thornton:
| Housing Type | Northglenn | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| 3BR Single-Family Home (Median Price) | $450,000 | $475,000 |
🏆 Winner: Northglenn
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly comparable between the two cities. Expect to pay around $150-200/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash in a 2-bedroom apartment. Summers tend to be a bit pricier with AC running. Both cities offer budget billing to help even out seasonal spikes.
🏆 Winner: Tie
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items are slightly cheaper in Thornton, but not by much. Plan on spending $400-500/month for a couple. Eating out will add another $200-300 to the tab.
🏆 Winner: Thornton, but it’s close
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes hover around 0.7% in both cities. In Northglenn, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, softening the sticker shock. Thornton has more public transportation options, which can trim your budget if you ditch the car.
🏆 Winner: Tie
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Northglenn | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Groceries | $450 | $425 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Taxes (0.7% property tax) | $263 | $277 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,063 | $3,287 |
Note: All income and cost figures are expressed in gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
6. Lifestyle Fit
While the numbers matter, so does quality of life. Northglenn is a touch more walkable, while Thornton offers more elbow room. Thornton averages 5°F cooler than Northglenn in July. Commute times are similar.
7. FAQ Section
Q: Is Northglenn more affordable than Thornton?
A: Overall, yes. Housing is the biggest factor, with Northglenn coming in about 10% cheaper.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Northglenn has lower rent prices, with a typical 2BR going for around $1,850/month vs. $2,100/month in Thornton.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Northglenn has a slight edge, with median prices for a 3BR single-family home around $450,000 compared to $475,000 in Thornton.
8. Conclusion
So, which city wins in the cost of living showdown? Northglenn takes the crown, largely thanks to lower housing costs. A household moving from Thornton to Northglenn might save $400/month on housing alone.
That said, Thornton offers compelling perks like cooler summers and more space to spread out. Ultimately, the best fit boils down to your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Crunching more numbers? Check out our guides on monthly budgeting in Northglenn and the true cost of living in Northglenn in 2025. Happy calculating!