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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Fresno is 27% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,324/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 37%
$66,804/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 51%
$348,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 38%
$1,391/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 38%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $34,181/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Thornton — common questions

Is Fresno or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Thornton?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Thornton?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $34,181/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 Fresno or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Thornton details →

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