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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Modesto is 13% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,609/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 12%
$77,899/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 30%
$415,600 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 16%
$1,613/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 19%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $23,086/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Thornton — common questions

Is Modesto or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Thornton?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Thornton?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $23,086/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 Modesto or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

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