Santa Ana, CA vs Thornton, CO: 163 vs 138

$1,975/mo ↑ 9%

Median Rent

$1,810/mo ↓ 8%

$88,354/yr ↓ 13%

Median Income

$100,985/yr ↑ 14%

$657,800 ↑ 36%

Home Value

$482,200 ↓ 27%

$1,965/mo ↑ 3%

Owner Costs

$1,914/mo ↓ 3%

311,639

Population

142,878

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $12,631/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Thornton — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Thornton cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Thornton?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $165/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Thornton?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $12,631/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 Santa Ana or Thornton?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Thornton

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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