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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Fremont is 101% more expensive than Thornton.

$2,905/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 38%
$176,350/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 43%
$1,289,400 ↑ 167%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 63%
$3,000/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 36%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,095/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $13,140/year.

Median household income is $75,365/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Thornton — common questions

Is Fremont or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Thornton?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $1,095/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Thornton?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $75,365/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Thornton

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton