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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Fontana is 6% more expensive than Thornton.

$1,733/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 4%
$98,187/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 3%
$558,500 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 14%
$1,990/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 4%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $2,798/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Thornton — common questions

Is Fontana or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Thornton?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Thornton?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $2,798/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 Fontana or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Thornton

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton