Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Anaheim is 32% more expensive than Thornton.

$2,082/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 13%
$90,583/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 11%
$771,700 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 38%
$2,165/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 12%
344,553
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $10,402/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Thornton — common questions

Is Anaheim or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Thornton?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Thornton?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $10,402/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

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