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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Thornton is 39% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,810/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 32%
$100,985/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 9%
$482,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 119%
$1,914/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 29%
142,878
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $9,088/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Thornton or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $9,088/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Costa Mesa

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria