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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Sacramento is 4% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,694/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 7%
$83,753/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 21%
$484,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$482,200 ≈ Same
$1,752/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 9%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $17,232/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Thornton — common questions

Is Sacramento or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Thornton?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Thornton?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $17,232/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 Sacramento or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Thornton details →

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