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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Moreno Valley is 4% more expensive than Thornton.

$2,036/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 11%
$87,477/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 15%
$461,400 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 5%
$1,980/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 3%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $13,508/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Thornton — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Thornton?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Thornton?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $13,508/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 Moreno Valley or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Thornton

Moreno Valley vs. Fontana Moreno Valley vs. Frisco Moreno Valley vs. Des Moines Moreno Valley vs. Rochester Moreno Valley vs. Modesto Moreno Valley vs. Fayetteville Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton