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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Thornton is 57% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,810/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 17%
$100,985/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 3%
$482,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 78%
$1,914/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 18%
142,878
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $3,234/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Thornton or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Fullerton?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Fullerton?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $3,234/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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