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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Thornton is 37% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,810/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 23%
$100,985/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 3%
$482,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 117%
$1,914/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 22%
142,878
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $2,793/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Thornton or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Pasadena?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Pasadena?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $2,793/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Pasadena details →

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