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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Long Beach is 22% more expensive than Thornton.

$1,803/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ≈ Same
$83,969/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 20%
$762,200 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 37%
$1,890/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 1%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,016/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Thornton — common questions

Is Long Beach or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Thornton?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Thornton?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $17,016/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 Long Beach or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Thornton details →

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