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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Sunnyvale is 147% more expensive than Thornton.

$3,065/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 41%
$181,862/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 44%
$1,816,600 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 73%
$3,016/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 37%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,255/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $15,060/year.

Median household income is $80,877/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Thornton — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Thornton?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $1,255/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Thornton?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $80,877/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Thornton details →

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