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

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Rancho Cucamonga is 32% more expensive than Thornton.

$2,286/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 21%
$109,511/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 8%
$694,400 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 31%
$2,324/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 18%
174,693
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $8,526/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Thornton — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Thornton?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Thornton?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $8,526/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Thornton details →

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