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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Lancaster is 10% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,696/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 7%
$76,083/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 33%
$409,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 18%
$1,746/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 10%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $24,902/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Thornton — common questions

Is Lancaster or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Thornton?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Thornton?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $24,902/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 Lancaster or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Thornton

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton