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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Ontario is 10% more expensive than Thornton.

$1,916/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 6%
$82,806/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 22%
$568,000 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 15%
$1,967/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 3%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $18,179/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Thornton — common questions

Is Ontario or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Thornton?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Thornton?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $18,179/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 Ontario or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Thornton

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton