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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Downey

California
169

Thornton is 18% cheaper than Downey.

$1,810/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 5%
$100,985/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 13%
$482,200 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 51%
$1,914/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 4%
142,878
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $13,585/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Downey — common questions

Is Thornton or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Downey?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Downey?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $13,585/year higher in Thornton.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Downey details →

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