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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Bakersfield is 25% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,371/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 32%
$77,397/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 30%
$347,300 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 39%
$1,540/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 24%
408,366
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

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $23,588/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Thornton — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Thornton?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Thornton?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $23,588/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 Bakersfield or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Thornton details →

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