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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Palmdale is 6% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,736/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 4%
$81,151/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 24%
$435,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 11%
$1,831/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 5%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $19,834/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Thornton — common questions

Is Palmdale or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Thornton?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Thornton?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $19,834/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 Palmdale or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Thornton details →

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Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton