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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

San Bernardino is 21% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,433/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 26%
$63,988/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 58%
$384,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 25%
$1,478/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 29%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $36,997/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Thornton — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Thornton?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Thornton?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $36,997/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 San Bernardino or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Thornton details →

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