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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

San Francisco is 93% more expensive than Thornton.

$2,419/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 25%
$141,446/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 29%
$1,380,500 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 65%
$2,620/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 27%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $609/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $7,308/year.

Median household income is $40,461/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Thornton — common questions

Is San Francisco or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Thornton?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $609/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Thornton?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $40,461/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Thornton details →

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