Moving from Centennial, CO to Thornton, CO
Relocating from Centennial, CO to Thornton, CO? The drive is 31 mi β about 45 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
31 mi Β· 45 min by car Β· CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, CO 88, CR 42 |
| Major cities en route | Boulder, Westminster, Arvada, Denver, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 105.782 vs 105.782 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $649,086 to $502,945 moving to Thornton.
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 14.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Centennial (50.2Β°F) and Thornton (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Thornton averages 44.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.88 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.0% β $128,167 β $100,985 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Thornton averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 22.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Thornton, CO from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 31 mi and the route typically takes 45 min via I 25 and CO 88. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 21.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 31 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Thornton, CO.