Moving from Pueblo, CO to Thornton, CO
Relocating between Pueblo, CO and Thornton, CO is a 128 mi drive β 2h 25m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
128 mi Β· 2h 25m by car Β· CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 50, US 50 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Boulder, Westminster, Arvada, Denver, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pueblo | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.762 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.933 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.285 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Thornton runs about 15.3% more expensive overall than Pueblo β RPP 91.762 β 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $283,603 in Pueblo to $502,945 in Thornton, a 15.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pueblo -1.4%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pueblo | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.8" | 14.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 52.4Β°F 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: WFO PUEBLO, CO US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pueblo | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,514 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $55,305 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.88 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.3% β $55,305 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 Pueblo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $46,540 in the Pueblo MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 63,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Thornton, CO from Pueblo, CO?
The driving distance is 128 mi and the route typically takes 2h 25m via I 25 and US 50. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Pueblo to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 128 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Thornton more expensive than Pueblo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 15.3% higher than Pueblo (105.782 vs 91.762, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Pueblo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $283,603 in Pueblo β a 77.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Pueblo vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $55,305 in Pueblo β a 82.6% 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 Pueblo.
City profiles: Pueblo, CO Β· Thornton, CO.