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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Thornton is 17% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,810/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 21%
$100,985/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 1%
$482,200 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 23%
$1,914/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 16%
142,878
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $1,336/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Thornton or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Fairfield?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Fairfield?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $1,336/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Fairfield details →

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