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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Stockton is 17% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,495/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 21%
$76,851/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 31%
$412,900 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 17%
$1,555/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 23%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $24,134/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Thornton — common questions

Is Stockton or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Thornton?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Thornton?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $24,134/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 Stockton or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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.
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