Moving from Las Vegas, NV to Thornton, CO
It is 767 mi between Las Vegas and Thornton β roughly 13h 21m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
767 mi Β· 13h 21m by car Β· NV β AZ β UT β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NV β AZ β UT β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 15, US 93 |
| Major cities en route | Henderson, North Las Vegas, Lakewood, Arvada, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Vegas | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.215 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.646 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 115.538 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Thornton runs about 5.6% more expensive overall than Las Vegas β RPP 100.215 β 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Thornton run about 5.6% pricier β ZHVI $426,583 β $502,945 (2026-03).
YoY change: Las Vegas -2.7%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Las Vegas | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 4.0" | 14.5" |
Annual average temperature drops 16.4Β°F β 68.8Β°F in Las Vegas vs 52.4Β°F in Thornton, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Thornton sees 44.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAS VEGAS AIR TERMINAL, NV US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Las Vegas | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 650,873 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $70,723 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 38.5 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.3% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.88 |
Thornton households earn about 5.6% more than Las Vegas at the median β $70,723 β $100,985 on ACS 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.
Moving between Nevada and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.4Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Thornton more expensive than Las Vegas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 5.6% higher than Las Vegas (105.782 vs 100.215, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Las Vegas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $43,510 in the Las Vegas MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 1,083,320 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Thornton, CO from Las Vegas, NV?
The driving distance is 767 mi and the route typically takes 13h 21m via I 70 and I 15. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Las Vegas to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 767 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Las Vegas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $426,583 in Las Vegas β a 17.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Las Vegas vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $70,723 in Las Vegas β a 42.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Las Vegas.
City profiles: Las Vegas, NV Β· Thornton, CO.